Qatar World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo May Not Captain Portugal In Pre-Quarters; Here's Why

Portugal boss Fernando Santos is reportedly angry with Cristiano Ronaldo for his antics against South Korea. The forward may not captain the side in their upcoming Round of 16 game.

In their final group game against South Korea last week, in which Portugal lost 2-1, Ronaldo was substituted in the 65th minute. While leaving the pitch, the former Manchester United star was seen putting a finger on his lips to make a "shushing" gesture, which didn't go down well with Santos.

The Portuguese manager said he "didn't like" Ronaldo's reaction but the issue was resolved internally.

"Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn't like it, not at all. I didn't like it. I really didn't like it. But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue. These matters are resolved behind closed doors. It's resolved," Santos told reporters.

When asked if Ronaldo would captain Portugal for the fourth game in a row at this World Cup, Santos didn't give a green signal right away.

"I only decide who is going to be captain when I reach the stadium. I still don't know what the lineup will be. That's what I've always done and that's what I'm always going to do and it's going to be the same tomorrow. The other topic is solved. We have fixed that in-house and that's it," the Portugal boss added.

In another interview, Ronaldo clarified that his gesture was for South Korean striker Cho Gue-sung, who was asking him to speed up his exit.

"Before my substitution, one of their players was telling me to leave quickly. I told him to shut up, he has no authority, and he doesn't have to say anything," said Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old forward recently parted ways with Manchester United. He will be allowed to join any club on a free transfer when the winter window opens in January. Ronaldo is being heavily linked with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner right now wants to focus just on the World Cup.

Despite losing a game, Portugal finished at the top of Group H with six points. They will now face off against Switzerland in their last-16 fixture Tuesday.