Portugal star provides honest response when asked if he tries to pass the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo at every given opportunity
Francisco Conceição said Portugal do not need to force passes to Cristiano Ronaldo, calling the 41-year-old forward a team help, not a target.
- On Sunday, Portugal's Francisco Conceicao rejected suggestions that the team feels compelled to constantly look for Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch at this 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Critics have questioned whether the 41-year-old Ronaldo's lack of mobility is having a negative effect on Portugal's chances following a pedestrian 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- "And we don't have that obligation, that necessity to pass the ball to him," Conceicao said, explaining he passes to whoever is better unmarked at that moment.
- Portugal plays Uzbekistan in their second Group K match in Houston on Tuesday, desperately looking for three points to get their campaign up and running.
- Conceicao described Ronaldo as "just another member of the squad" while acknowledging the 41-year-old remains an example of leadership and hunger for the new generation.
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The big Ronaldo dilemma continues to be the main topic for the Portuguese. After an argument that even upset the players' girlfriends, Conceição defended Ronaldo.
"Not Obliged To Pass Him The Ball": Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Teammate Francisco Conceicao
Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao insisted on Sunday his team-mates felt no pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo following scrutiny of the veteran superstar's role in their lacklustre World Cup opener.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Pressure on Portugal players to pass to Ronaldo? Conceicao reveals
Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao insisted on Sunday his teammates felt no pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo following scrutiny of the veteran superstar’s role in its lacklustre World Cup opener.
No pressure to pass to Portugal star Ronaldo, says Conceicao
Critics said Cristiano Ronaldo’s limited mobility may be harming Portugal’s performance after a dull 1-1 draw with DR Congo. (AFP pic) PALM BEACH: Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao insisted on Sunday his team-mates felt no pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo following scrutiny of the veteran superstar’s role in their lacklustre World Cup opener. Critics have questioned whether the 41-year-old Ronaldo’s lack of mobility is having a negative e…
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