Santos reveals what Ronaldo said in furious outburst

Cristiano Ronaldo was seen on camera fuming at the Portugal manager after missing out on automatic qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

Fernando Santos claims Cristiano Ronaldo was complaining about a late decision that cost him a goal during his post-match outburst.

The captain cut a less than impressed figure after Portugal lost 2-1 at home to Serbia, costing them top spot in Group A and an automatic qualification spot for the 2022 World Cup. They will instead compete in the playoffs in March.

TNT Sports later released footage showing Ronaldo apparently taking his anger out on Santos during a post-match handshake.

IMAGENS EXCLUSIVAS DA TNT SPORTS! O CLIMA ESQUENTOU! 👀😳 Cristiano falou poucas e boas pro técnico Fernando Santos depois do apito final contra a Sérvia… #EliminatóriasNaTNTSports pic.twitter.com/kZr1M48gFM

— TNT Sports Brasil (@TNTSportsBR) November 14, 2021

What did Santos say?

However, Santos cleared the air over the rumored rift by explaining Ronaldo was frustrated at a late decision from the referee.

“Nobody was explaining anything,” said the Portugal manager.

“He was telling the other guy that he had scored a goal at the last minute and that the referee didn’t count [it]. That’s what he was saying at the time.

“On the field, he said that we scored a goal and the referee didn’t count it, but it’s his outburst. It’s perfectly normal.”

Ronaldo has posted a message to express his confidence that Portugal will qualify for the 2022 World Cup.