Agent Jorge Mendes defends Ronaldo over birthday party criticism

Ronaldo came under heavy fire for celebrating birthday after derby loss

Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has come out in defence of his client after the Portuguese superstar was criticised for throwing his birthday party following Saturday’s heavy defeat at Atlético Madrid.

Ronaldo was a dismal figure in Real Madrid’s 4-0 thrashing in the hands of city rivals Atletico Madrid managing no shots on target. The Ballon d’Or winner was adjudged the worst player in the game according to a poll conducted by Marca.

The defeat cut Real Madrid’s lead at the top to just one point with Barcelona managing a comfortable win.

A video showing Ronaldo celebrating his 30th birthday not long after the game, drew heavy criticism towards the Madrid star.

Mendes speaking to the Spanish radio station Cadena SER insisted that the player was far from a jovial mood. Mendes said, “He [Ronaldo] was very angry. Any player that loses a game and more so, Ronaldo, who is a great professional, who continues to be the best professional in the world, would be angry.

“The fact is his birthday party had been organised more than a month ago and he had family coming from abroad. He didn’t want to cancel out of respect for the people that came.

“What is inadmissible is that somebody takes advantage of a private affair to release a video. Ronaldo was devastated after the defeat and people spent two hours trying to cheer him up.”

Mendes added, “It’s very difficult to be Cristiano. In life, there are good times and times when things don’t go as well. The problem is Cristiano has accustomed people badly because 99% of the times he does extremely well.

“He decides games, he does everything. But when he goes through a spell when things don’t go as well, people should stand behind him because we are talking about the best player in the world.

“He is a human being. I’m very calm because he is the best professional. Cristiano throughout these years has been an example to everyone and will continue to be. Cristiano will solve the situation as he always does.”