Football
ESPN staff 10y

Queiroz: I haven't spoken to Ronaldo

Carlos Queiroz says he has not spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo since the Real Madrid forward suggested he was to blame for Portugal's exit from the 2010 World Cup.

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Portugal, under the guidance of current Iran boss Queiroz, were eliminated by Spain in the second round in South Africa four years ago.

After the defeat, Ronaldo was asked why the side had lost the game, to which he replied: "Ask Queiroz."

Queiroz, who is to step down from his role with Iran after the World Cup, told Publico: "Sincerely, I didn't like it and I would be a hypocrite if I said otherwise. He probably understood that it was me who deserved it this time. We didn't speak after that." 

Despite the duo's lack of communication since, Queiroz says he is "detached" from the comments.

"I'm absolutely detached and indifferent. Neither he nor I owe anything to the other," he said.

"Now if Cristiano, at some point in his life, understands that he should act towards me in that way, although I don't expect it, I have to respect him. I have nothing against him. I continue to think that it wasn't proper behaviour adequate for the position of captain of the national team."

While they may not have spoken for some time, Queiroz and Ronaldo had previously shared a strong bond from their days together at Manchester United.

"I was his coach and friend on and off the field," Queiroz said. "His decision to transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid was made at my house in Lisbon, in my living room, with my family there. I asked [Sir Alex] Ferguson to come to Portugal to resolve the impasse in the negotiations peacefully. I felt it was my duty as a friend and coach and do not regret it."

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