Euro 2016 minnows Iceland hit back at Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo labelling him “not a gracious human being” after he slammed the Atlantic islanders’ defensive tactics in a 1-1 draw.
The Portuguese captain had criticised Iceland’s ‘small mentality’ while saying it was fortunate to earn the draw.
“I thought they’d won the Euros the way they celebrated at the end. It was unbelievable. When they don’t try to play and just defend, defend, defend, this in my opinion shows a small mentality and they are not going to do anything in the competition.”
“He’s a fantastic footballer, but he’s not a gracious human being and the thing is we almost nicked the win, so him saying we weren’t going for the win contradicts that,” said midfielder Kari Arnason.
‘Humble’ Messi And Arnason even claimed the humble attitude of Ronaldo’s perennial rival for the crown of the world’s best player, Lionel Messi, makes him more loveable than Ronaldo.
Former Iceland international Hermann Hreidarsson branded Ronaldo a “sore loser”, claiming he had been “beaten up” by Iceland’s tireless hard work.
“He thought he could have goals handed to him on a plate,” Hreidarssontold BBC.
