Chilean Arturo Vidal, a player for Colo-Colo, has defended Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo after his decision to leave the Portugal national team camp during the international break, amid the controversy that the move has sparked both inside and outside the country.
Arturo Vidal believes Jorge Jesus, the coach of the Portugal national team, made a big mistake in handling the Cristiano Ronaldo situation, affirming his full support for the Portugal captain, even though he has never played with him at club level.
Vidal stated in remarks reported by "Cadena SER": "The coach is wrong, and I fully support Cristiano. It is really unfortunate for a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, whom I consider one of the top four players in the history of football, to leave the Portugal national team in this way."
He added: "After the press conference where he explained what is happening and presented the different options, the coach comes out and makes such statements. I think this gives a very bad image of the coach. We must take care of Cristiano and protect him."
The Chilean player stated: "He is the one who made Portugal one of the best national teams in the world, elevating the level of football and Portugal to another level. Cristiano is completely entitled to do what he wants, considering all he has given to football and his national team. All my support goes to Cristiano Ronaldo, as he is an exceptional player in what he delivers. There are coaches who do not respect certain matters."
