"He must be quite tough to manage" – Gary Lineker shares observation about 'angry' Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's Euro 2024 squad

England legend Gary Lineker has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo played Portugal's recent UEFA Euro 2024 match against Georgia in an angry manner before lauding his footballing ability.

Earlier on Wednesday (June 26), Portugal crashed to a 2-0 Euro 2024 loss against Georgia. Ronaldo started the Group F contest but failed to make an impact before being substituted off in the 66th minute.

Speaking recently on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker offered his thoughts on the 39-year-old Al-Nassr star's display in Portugal's final Group F clash of the Euro 2024. He remarked:

"He was the only [outfield] player who played in the last two games that played in the last game [against Georgia] and we know why. We were saying, 'Wow, Ronaldo is playing, why would you play him? Save your energy for the knockout stages', and Wayne [Rooney] went, 'There's no way he wouldn't play because he hasn't scored in the first two games and he wants his goal'."

Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 matches for England, continued:

"The whole game he was angry. He was angry at the referee, angry at his teammates for not getting him the ball properly. When he went off, he kicked something in disgust. He must be quite tough to manage."

Lineker concluded with some praise for the Real Madrid great, saying:

"It was right to take him off, he was on a yellow card as well. It would've been mad if he got himself another booking, which would've meant a red [card] in that game and then missed the next one. I still think his movement is sharp. He's brilliant the way he moves, little dashes [of pace]. Obviously, he's not going to chase anyone down at this age."

Ronaldo, who helped Portugal lift the Euro 2016 trophy, recorded just one shot and completed eight of 12 passes in the tie against Georgia.

Giorgio Chiellini claims Liverpool star could help Cristiano Ronaldo shine at Euro 2024

Ex-Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has urged Portugal boss Roberto Martinez to start Diogo Jota over Rafael Leao to complement Cristiano Ronaldo's abilities. He said (h/t dynamo.kiev.ua):

"Leao is not the best partner for Cristiano. He makes unnecessary movements that take him out of the game. Jota is much more functional because he can change positions with Cristiano. However, they have Roberto Martinez. Whatever he chooses will be right."

Jota, 27, has appeared twice as a substitute at the Euro 2024 so far.

Despite being ravaged with injuries, Jota netted 15 goals and laid out four assists in 32 outings across competitions for Liverpool last term.