“He ain’t the Ronaldo of old for sure” - Former Ireland international baffled by ‘strange’ Cristiano Ronaldo comments before qualifier clash

Former Ireland international Stephen Hunt has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's 'strange' pre-match press conference ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifier. He was surprised that the Portuguese superstar was being nice and asking the Irish fans not to boo him during the match.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Hunt said that Irish fans were respectful to Ronaldo until the red card, when they were cheering him off the pitch. He believes that the forward remains a threat on the pitch, but his off-pitch behavior left many surprised. He said:

"His interview the day before the game was really strange in my opinion. It didn't feel like Ronaldo, 'Don't boo me tomorrow,' or whatever. Normally, he likes to be the bad boy, he likes the centre of attention, and it was almost like he was looking for the attention and love of the Irish fans." "Well, he certainly got that, and as he was leaving the pitch, it was honestly like a pantomime. I know it's Christmas, but the Irish fans were loving it and they cheered him off. And listen, they were respectful of him during the game, he ain't the Ronaldo of old for sure. He didn't really move too well in the game watching him and how he was playing, but obviously he's very dangerous in the box."

Portugal lost 2-0 to Ireland, with Cristiano Ronaldo getting sent off in the second half after elbowing Dara O'Shea inside the box. He missed the final qualifier against Armenia and will also be suspended for the first match of the FIFA World Cup.

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say ahead of the Ireland match?

Cristiano Ronaldo was doing the pre-match press conference for Portugal ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ireland. He urged the home fans not to boo him too much and said (via ESPN)

"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. But of course, I do my job. I try to win the game and try to score to help my team. I'm sure that the game will be difficult."

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he will be playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it will be the sixth time he represents Portugal at the tournament.

Edited by Sripad