The controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rock Portugal, and now his mother, Dolores Aveiro, has come to his defense. In an interview with local media, Aveiro revealed that she cried following her son's departure from the national team camp and expressed disappointment over how he is treated in Portugal, despite his enormous contributions to the country over the years.
"I'm sad, naturally. It was a shock," said Aveiro, 71. "My son could have left through the front door, but instead he went out through the back door. But that's OK. God will take care of it."
Aveiro added: "I cried a little. That's good too, to let it out. We need to turn this situation around."
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Ronaldo and his mother. 'We need to turn this situation around'
(Photo: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
She also revealed details of her first conversation with her son after it emerged that he had left the national team camp ahead of the match against Denmark.
"He told me, 'Mom, don't worry. I'll tell you the truth when we're all together.' I replied, 'OK, son, turn this situation around.' And that was it.told him to stay calm, but that's what he decided to do. We'll see what happens. I gave him all the encouragement I could, but it was no use."
Aveiro continued: "He has given so much to Portugal, and he's always there. He has always been Portugal's hero. They don't appreciate him the way they should. They don't appreciate Cristiano. He's the Portuguese player we've got."
The controversy began late last month after Ronaldo was left out of Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway in the Nations League. The captain, who has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country, left the national team camp and subsequently missed Portugal's next two matches, victories over Denmark and Norway.
Will he return to the national team? Ronaldo
(Photo: Liselotte Sabroe / RITZAU SCANPIX / AFP)
Despite the criticism he faced, the star apologized to his national team teammates and the Portuguese public, making clear that he still considers himself part of the squad. He even called on the Portuguese Football Federation to punish him for his actions.
"I believe the punishment should not take mitigating circumstances into account. I'm not just any player. I'm the team captain, and that's an aggravating factor," Ronaldo wrote on social media. "I've already apologized, but I know that actions must have consequences."
Coach Jorge Jesus addressed the controversy on Wednesday but chose not to engage in another public confrontation with the star.
"I've read the statement. Now, as I do every day, I'm heading to the federation to work and focus on the team and the Portuguese national side. I have nothing more to say," he said.