“I lost the match, so should I hide in the corner?” - Poland captain Piotr Zielinksi hits out at critics slamming him for photo with Cristiano Ronaldo

Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski has shared his thoughts on criticism following his picture with Cristiano Ronaldo after the defeat against Portugal. He slammed the critics and explained that it was just a normal thing.

Portugal hammered Poland 5-1 in Lisbon in their UEFA Nations League clash on November 15. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace, including a bicycle kick, and provided an assist. After the game, Polish played Piotr Zielinski and Nicola Zalewski met Ronaldo and took pictures with him while smiling.

However, a lot of Polish fans and media weren't pleased and criticised the two players. Zielinski was asked about it in his pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against Scotland on November 18. The Inter Milan man answered (via Reuters):

"It looked like this, myself and Nicola approached and we took a photo. Neither Cristiano nor us had a problem with it. I don't see a problem with that. I'm not interested in what happens on social media. For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best footballers in history.

"I lost the match, so should I hide in the corner? I approached, we took a photo and that's it. I felt like it."

Zielinski has faced Ronaldo 12 times so far at both international and club level, having won three times and lost nine.

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Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about his retirement after Portugal's win over Poland

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the two greatest players of all time alongside Lionel Messi. He is still going strong at 39 and it was evident in Portugal's 5-1 win over Poland. He converted a penalty and then provided an assist for Pedro Neto. He then took it up another level as he scored from a bicycle kick from close range.

After the game, Ronaldo was asked about his retirement, and he said (via Goal):

"I just want to enjoy. Plan for retirement... if it has to happen, in one or two years... I don't know. I'm turning 40 soon... I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don't feel motivated, I will retire. When I decide to leave the national team, I'll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won't be any advance announcements.

"I don't see myself managing a team; that's not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens."

Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature for Portugal in their final Nations League group game against Croatia on November 18. He, alongside other stars like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, have been released as A Selecao have already confirmed their spot in the quarter-finals.