Cristiano Ronaldo video: Portugal captain throws reporters microphone into a lake as stress begins to show

Ronaldo was approached by a reporter who asked if he was ready for the final Group F Euro 2016 match with Hungary

Jack de Menezes
Wednesday 22 June 2016 11:42 BST
Comments
Ronaldo chucks journalist's microphone

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not having a great time out in France as Portugal face potential Euro 2016 elimination if they suffer defeat by Hungary on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid superstar has not scored a goal in his opening two matches for his country, and with Group F still wide open as to who will qualify for the last-16, the Portuguese captain would be forgiven if he is feeling the pressure.

Except, of course, if he were to do something stupid like grab a microphone out of a reporter’s hand and throw it in a lake.

The grumpy forward was walking alongside a lake near Portugal’s training complex in Lyon with the rest of the Portuguese team when a reporter from CMTV asked if he was ready for the showdown with group leaders Hungary.

Ronaldo is already under pressure to inspire his nation to glory after missing a penalty in the 0-0 draw with Austria last time out, and the team have scored just one goal from 18 shots on target since the tournament in France got underway, and the 31-year-old was also heavily criticised for his comments in the wake of the 1-1 draw with Iceland in which he accused the European minnows of having a “small mentality” and “celebrating like they had won the Euros” after securing one of their biggest results in their history.

Ronaldo appeared tense at training on Tuesday ahead of their final group game, but Portugal head coach Fernando Santos insisted that Ronaldo was relaxed and had not let his missed penalty affect him negatively.

“The day after the first game you said Cristiano was all smiles,” Santos said. “After the first match your stories were that Cristiano was all smiles and now it is that he’s not smiling. I am sure he will get over everything and do what he does best. He’s always proved that what he does best is score and I’m sure he will do everything to be anxiety free to score.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a penalty before Portugal against Austria
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a penalty before Portugal against Austria (Getty)

“He will carry on taking free-kicks and penalties. We have someone who is the standard-bearer for our country, and we do love him. The Portuguese love Cristiano.”

The Portuguese do love Ronaldo, but maybe the Portuguese media aren’t so fond of him anymore.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in