Cristiano Ronaldo once got angry with a reporter and threw his microphone into a lake after being dissatisfied with his question.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has given many interviews throughout his career, but in 2016, he refused to answer a question. The Portugal captain was walking around Lyon, France with his teammates, preparing for an important Euro 2016 Group F match against Hungary. A reporter from CMTV approached him.
The former Manchester United star immediately grabbed the microphone and threw it into a nearby lake. Portuguese officials spoke briefly with the reporter, but he received no microphone or comment from the Real Madrid legend.
The video of the incident quickly went viral and caused a stir around the world, leaving many wondering what could have prompted Ronaldo’s reaction. However, reporter Diego Torres, who posed the question, revealed what might have prompted Ronaldo to do so – admitting that his TV station has produced many stories about the superstar’s personal life.
“I asked Ronaldo if he was ready for the game,” Torres said in an interview with the BBC. “He didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed my microphone and threw it into the lake. I’m not sure why Ronaldo did it. I think it was just a spur of the moment moment. If he had thought about it, he probably wouldn’t have done it.”
“We are a TV channel of a big newspaper in Portugal. We have reported a lot about him. Some information Ronaldo may not like. Maybe that is why he did it. But it is not personal. I have not received any apology from Ronaldo or the team. We went on the same flight to France with the players and will return with them.”
At the time, Ronaldo and Portugal were under pressure after two poor performances. His team drew 3-3 with Hungary, their third straight draw in the group stage. Despite not winning a game, Fernando Santos’s side advanced to the knockout stages in third place.
Incredibly, Portugal had gone all the way to the French title without winning a single game in regulation time. When Ronaldo was forced off with a knee injury, he was still enthusiastically directing from the sidelines. It was substitute Eder who scored the winning goal in extra time that helped Portugal beat the hosts and take home the coveted title.
