Coach Paulo Bento holding a press conference ahead of the round of 16 match against Brazil. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Paulo Bento, head coach of the South Korean national football team, showed a firm stance on the rumors of football star Cristiano Ronaldo (37, free agent), whom he coached during his time as the Portugal national team coach, moving to Saudi Arabia.
According to a report by FIFA Plus on the 6th (Korean time), when a foreign reporter asked Coach Bento for his opinion on the rumors of Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia, he said, "I am still the coach of the Korean national team. It is not appropriate to talk about such things now," and then left the venue.
Spanish media Marca reported on the 5th that Ronaldo, who was released from Manchester United, would become a member of Saudi club Al Nassr starting January 1 next year. The contract period is two and a half years, with a condition of receiving 200 million euros (about 276.5 billion KRW) including one season's salary and endorsement deals. However, British media Daily Mail stated, "Ronaldo's side denied this report," and "His joining Al Nassr is not confirmed."
Coach Bento played as a defensive midfielder for the prestigious Portuguese club Sporting CP in the early 2000s. At that time, Ronaldo was the youngest member of the team. The two met again as coach and player in 2010. Bento coached the Portugal national team from 2010 to 2014.
I am still the coach of the Korean national team
Coach Bento said, "I had a fantastic experience in Korea. We successfully qualified for the World Cup finals and passed the group stage for the third time in Korean history. There are so many reasons for us to be happy and proud," adding, "These things will remain in my memories of Korea."
Regarding the 1-4 defeat against Brazil in the round of 16, he said, "It was very difficult," and "Brazil is a fantastic team with many good players and deserves to win." He also added, "I want to congratulate my players as well. I feel very happy and proud when I think of them."
Coach Bento encouraging player Hwang In-beom after the match ended with a 1-4 defeat against Brazil in the Round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News
Having worked closely with the South Korean national football team for four years and four months, he promised, "I will definitely visit Korea again." He added, "I have friends in Korea. But Korea will no longer be my workplace. My contract ended with our last match at the World Cup. I already decided in September and informed the players," emphasizing, "Today, I officially reconfirmed my decision."
Coach Bento and the South Korean national football team, who achieved advancement to the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, will return home on the 7th. The team will attend a welcoming event held at Incheon Airport immediately after their arrival. On the 8th, they will have lunch with President Yoon Suk-yeol. After wrapping up his time in Korea, Coach Bento plans to return to Portugal.
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