Cristiano Ronaldo's team-mate speaks out after Portugal star's public shaming

Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of Portugal players who have pulled out of their Nations League matches has not gone down well with team-mate Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese national team, currently leading their group by a slim margin of three points, are preparing for crucial ties against Poland and Croatia in the UEFA competition.

However, Ronaldo’s comments at an awards ceremony earlier this week, expressing his disappointment at players unwilling to represent their country, have caused a stir. PSG defender Mendes, set to be part of the squad taking on Poland at Estadio do Dragao on Friday, responded to his captain’s remarks with evident displeasure.

At the Quinas de Ouro Gala, where Ronaldo received the Quinas de Platina award, he slammed his team-mates, saying: “After winning so many trophies and playing for so many clubs, there’s nothing better than playing for the national team, representing your country, your culture, your children. That’s why I’m disappointed by some players who don’t want to represent it.”

When asked about these comments ahead of the Poland match, team-mate Mendes replied: “Everyone has their own opinion. I can speak for myself. I’m very proud to represent Portugal and I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. Ronaldo has his opinion. I have mine.”

Ronaldo’s sentiment on dedication closely reflects that of England captain Harry Kane, who earlier this week also spoke out about player commitment amidst a raft of pullouts from the Three Lions’ Nations League squad.

A total of nine players including Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and most recently, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, have withdrawn from fixtures against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

“I think England comes before anything,” captain Kane asserted. “England comes before club, it is the most important thing as a professional footballer. Gareth [Southgate] was hot on that, and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.

“It’s a shame this week, obviously. It’s a tough period of the season, and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit. I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. England comes before anything and any club situation.”

Mendes’ sharp retort to his skipper Ronaldo is an example of the discord which could be created within the England camp, a potential early issue for Thomas Tuchel to snuff out as he gets set to take over from interim manager Lee Carsley.

Carsley saw the positive side, telling reporters: “With the amount of players that have pulled out, it gives other players the opportunity to be here. We’re looking forward to the game [versus Greece].”