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Luis Figo criticises Ronaldo's behaviour after defeat to Spain.

Updated on: 01 July,2010 07:26 AM IST |
Agencies |

Portugal legend Luis Figo says Cristiano Ronaldo did not behave like a true leader

Portugal legend Luis Figo says Cristiano Ronaldo did not behave like a true leader

Figo, who captained the Seleccao to a semi-final place at the last World Cup in Germany, said when times are tough, a captain should defend the group.

"My notion of what a captain is perhaps different from other people, but a captain, regardless of the success or failure always has to defend the group. In hard times he should face the consequences for the group," Figo was quoted by Marca.

Portugal captain Ronaldo reacted angrily to the cameraman's attempts to follow him off the pitch in close proximity immediately after the final whistle, waving him away before allegedly spitting in his direction while looking down the barrel of the camera, an act that was broadcast around the world.

While he was taking his frustration out on the man behind the lens, Ronaldo's spit appeared to the global audience to be directed towards them in an ugly act that could upset many of the fans of one of football's most marketable men.

Also after the match, he told reporters to "talk to Carlos Queiroz" about Portugal's elimination from the World Cup.

Ronaldo defended himself saying "When I said put the question to the coach, it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference.

"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am human, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone."

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