World Cup LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo in swearing storm as Lionel Messi set for 1,000th game | Football | Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo has denied claims that he swore at Portugal coach Fernando Santos during their World Cup defeat against South Korea on Friday.

The Portuguese superstar appeared to be angered when he was substituted late on in the game by Santos before his team conceded a late goal to lose the game 2-1.

The 37-year-old was brought off in the 65th minute with the scores level at 1-1 and reports in the Portuguese media suggested that as he walked off the pitch, he aimed derogatory comments in the direction of his boss Santos.

Such an incident would have created a storm within the camp as Ronaldo is currently captain and one of the most influential members of the squad both on and off the pitch. However, Ronaldo has since clarified that he although he did become irritated, it was with a South Korea player – Hwang Hee-chan – not his manager.

“What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly,” Ronaldo was quoted telling Portuguese reporters.

“I told him [the South Korea player] to shut up as he doesn’t have that authority. There was no disagreement [with Santos].”