Following Real Madrid’s shock 4-3 defeat to Schalke 04, Cristiano Ronaldo told a French television correspondent he would not speak to the media again until the end of the season.
Ronaldo was visibly upset with his teammates and was overheard admonishing Real Madrid players about their performances. He reportedly had words with striker Karim Benzema, and following the match the Portuguese forward was asked what was said between the two players. According to Canal Plus presenter Nacho Aranda, Ronaldo responded by saying he would not talk to the press again for the remainder of the season.
Real Madrid have been heavily criticized by the Spanish press for their recent performances, with Ronaldo and his attack partners Benzema and Gareth Bale taking the lion’s share of the negative attention.
The team has also been roundly booed in its past few home matches, and last night against Schalke the players were jeered while leaving the pitch at halftime and after the final whistle.
Speculation is Ronaldo is upset with the criticism from the media and is particularly displeased with the treatment he and his teammates have received from their home supporters.
Despite the defeat, Real Madrid progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition on aggregate (5-4).
Whether or not Ronaldo will stick to his word and maintain his “silence” with the media is yet to be seen.
