Cristiano Ronaldo knows how to handle pressure, but his return to Dublin for Portugal’s World Cup qualifier came with a strange promise. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner promised to be a “good boy.” With Irish fans ready to rain down boos after the tense reverse fixture, Ronaldo tried to keep things calm and even joked around before kickoff.
Cristiano Ronaldo said he would be a good boy before the game against Ireland
Before the game, Ronaldo admitted he was bracing for a cold welcome at Aviva Stadium. Still, he kept things playful, telling reporters, “I really like the fans here. The support they give to the national team it’s lovely.“
“For me, it’s a pleasure to come and play here again. Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.” (Via ESPN)
At the same time, he made it clear his main focus was on helping Portugal make the most of what could be his final World Cup.
Ronaldo’s remarks came just weeks after the fiery first clash between Portugal and Ireland, when he celebrated Rúben Neves’ late winner right in front of Ireland’s Jake O’Brien. This time, he promised no repeat of that stunt, even though he knew the home fans would be ready to give him a hard time.
Cristiano Ronaldo also responded to Ireland fans who claimed he tried to sway the referee in the last match, especially after Caoimhín Kelleher saved his penalty. Ronaldo responded that it’s normal because they know if they lose tomorrow, they are out, so they “try to make things around the game, to try to do things.”
Even though Ronaldo kept it calm before the match, things on the pitch quickly went south. His night ended with a red card, totally botching up that “good boy” promise he made earlier.
The red card was a first for Ronaldo with Portugal, coming in his 226th game. At the club level, he’s been shown red 13 times, but this one definitely stung on the national stage.
