Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal's World Cup quarterfinal match against Morocco, according to coach Fernando Santos, who claims he has no regrets about the choice.
In the 6-1 victory against Switzerland last Tuesday in the round of 16, Ronaldo, Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 118 goals in 195 international games, was a substitute. Gonzalo Ramos, who took Ronaldo's place, managed to score three goals in only his fourth international game.
The rest of Ronaldo's teammates attempted to comfort him and stand by his side as he wept on the bench after the game against Morocco. Ronaldo had played briefly in the second half without scoring against Morocco.
“I do not regret (for Ronaldo sitting as a substitute). I was not going to change anything. When it comes to the team, my heart cannot be thought,”
"I relied on the team that performed well against Switzerland, and there was no reason for me to change (against Morocco )."
“The strategic decision that I made was one of the most difficult decisions, but I cannot think with my heart, and I must think with my mind.”
"It is no longer the case that Ronaldo is not a great player. It is not about that at all."