Piers Morgan has reacted on social media after former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped by Portugal for their World Cup showdown with Switzerland on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo, 37, departed Old Trafford for the second time last month as the dust continues to settle on his explosive interview with Morgan in which the five-time Ballon d'Or winner criticised the club, their manager Erik ten Hag and key figures associated with United past and present. He then found himself in hot water at the Qatar showcase.
Starting all three Group H matches, Ronaldo irked Portugal manager, Fernando Santos, for venting his frustrations when taken off against South Korea and paid the price when he was omitted from the starting line-up with last-16 progression on the line against Switzerland. It has subsequently sent social media into meltdown.
READ MORE: Hannibal sends transfer message
Adding insult to injury for Ronaldo, his replacement in the team - Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos - scored after only 17 minutes as Pepe added the second to put Portugal in command. Despite not starting, Ronaldo has been the main talking point at the Lusail Iconic Stadium and for those watching on TV and social media.
Morgan reacted to the Ronaldo decision too, as the divisive media figure spotted that he was trending on Twitter soon after the team news was announced. Posting to his 8.2million followers on the platform, the 57-year-old wrote: "I'm trending because Ronaldo's on the bench?
"Twitter haters really are comically tragic," he added alongside three laughing face emojis.
After 39-year-old Porto centre-back Pepe scored a thumping effort, Morgan later added: "‘Ronaldo’s too old.’ Pepe’s 39."
Although former Real Madrid and Juventus forward Ronaldo was made to settle for a seat among the substitutes, two teammates who he left behind at Old Trafford - Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes - were both included in the side and helped themselves to assists either side of the break.
Ramos grabbed his second and then third upon the restart before supplying Raphael Guerreiro.
MORE TO READ:
