Figo: I never blamed Santos for not starting Ronaldo

Portugal legend Luis Figo has denied comment credited to him after his country crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Morroco.

Portugal suffered a shocking 1-0 loss against the north African side that had sent Spain packing in the last 16.

There was a comment credited to the Portugal great where he allegedly blamed coach Santos for their World Cup elimination.

According to reports, it was claimed Figo attacked Santos for starting the quarterfinal without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting line-up.

In their last match against Switzerland, where the former world footballer of the year was on the bench, his replacement, Ramos, netted a hat trick to deserve another start.

Figo had allegedly said Portugal couldn’t win the World Cup with Ronaldo on the bench. 

*Leaving Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench was a mistake. This defeat is the responsibility of Fernando Santos,” Figo allegedly said.

Denying the quote via his social media page, Figo described it as bad journalism that should be sanctioned.

“I would like bad journalism to be sanctioned! This is one more example of anyone today being called a journalist or a media outlet. You want my opinion; you have to ask and not invent statements,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo remains coy about his future.

At 37, this could be his last World Cup alongside Pepe.

Ronaldo, who cried after the final whistle against Morroco, had written on his social media page about his pain of not winning the world cup despite all the trophies he had won.

Thanking the country and fans, Ronaldo said it was a beautiful dream while it lasted.

Next on his agenda is to look for a new club after Manchester United ended his contract over the controversial interview where he criticised the club and the manager.

According to reports, what is in front of the superstar is a massive deal with a Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed