Carlos Queiroz warned Cristiano Ronaldo his place in Portugal's starting XI could be under threat.
Portugal boss tells star he needs to deliver on biggest stage
Carlos Queiroz has warned Cristiano Ronaldo he needs to find his best form in a Portugal shirt, or his place in the starting XI could be under threat.
The world's most expensive player once again failed to reproduce his club form on the international stage as Portugal tumbled out of the World Cup on Tuesday after losing 1-0 to Spain in the second round.
The 25-year-old admitted he was a 'broken man' on his agent's website but his comments have not gained any sympathy from the national coach.
Queiroz, who saw plenty of Ronaldo during his time as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, told the £80million man needs to deliver for his country.
"We are not unaware of those remarks, but we are not here to be friends with the players," said the 57-year-old of Ronaldo, who scored just one goal in South Africa.
"One must never allow anyone placing himself above the best interests of the national side.
"Portugal needs Ronaldo, and Ronaldo needs the national side. But if this shirt unnerves some players, they have no grounds to be there."
