AN incredible 70 per cent of Portugal fans want Cristiano Ronaldo dropped for their last-16 World Cup tie versus Switzerland.
A poll has been ran by Portuguese newspaper A Bola who have revealed the shock statistic.
The outlet simply asked their readers if he should start with two options “yes or no” and the overwhelming majority have said the latter.
Ronaldo has been heavily criticised at the World Cup and fans appear to have had enough.
Some of A Bola’s readers responded to the poll to fire shots at their main man.
One fan said: “What is the reason, why have you been a starter? He wasn’t a starter at the club, he’s not in shape, he says he wants to fight for titles, but every seven days he’s sick.”
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Another wrote: “He shouldn’t have even been called up after everything that happened at Manchester United.”
One even joked he is past his best saying “this is no longer CR7, it’s CR37” in relation to his age.
Some did defend Ronaldo however: “Everyone wants to see him fall… but in Portugal we have a leader, a champion, a winner. His World Cup will start now.”
Portugal topped their group after wins over Ghana and Uruguay before a loss to South Korea.
And their legendary striker has been at the centre of controversy at the tournament following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan and his departure from United.
Ronaldo scored in the victory over Ghana but was accused of diving to win his penalty and against Uruguay he claimed he scored but Fifa said Bruno Fernandes’ cross didn’t touch his head.
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Things didn’t stop there as he accidentally assisted a South Korea goal in their 2-1 loss to them and he was then subbed off and appeared to sulk throwing his arms in frustration.
Manager Fernando Santos said Ronaldo’s action angered him.
If Ronaldo doesn’t start then Andre Silva or Goncalo Ramos could lead the line with Joao Felix.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
