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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo smiles walking by referee Cuneyt Cakir of Turkey, center, during the Euro 2016 Group F soccer match between Portugal and Iceland. Michael Sohn
infamous

'I’m too good' - 5 of petulant Ronaldo's most famous rants

A glorious night for Iceland on their first-ever appearance at a major international tournament was soured by the player’s jibe

PORTUGAL SUPERSTAR CRISTIANO Ronaldo infuriated minnows Iceland, claiming they had a “small mentality” after their 1-1 Euro 2016 draw on Tuesday.

Here are five of Ronaldo’s finest rants over his career:

- Lucky Iceland will “do nothing”

A glorious night for Iceland on their first-ever appearance at a major international tournament was soured by Ronaldo’s jibe that the island of 330,000 people will do nothing at the tournament despite holding the Group F favourites.

“Iceland didn’t try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, they had two chances and scored a goal, it was a lucky night for them,” he raged.

“It’s why I think they will do nothing here. In my opinion, it’s a small mentality.”

- “Rich, handsome and a great player”

When Real Madrid went to Dinamo Zagreb in September 2011, Croatian fans taunted Ronaldo with chants supporting his eternal rival for the title of the world’s best player, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

“I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me. I don’t have any other explanation,” replied Ronaldo.

- Madrid teammates not up to scratch

Even the standards at the richest club in the world did not please Ronaldo as he blasted teammates over a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in February that left them languishing in third place in La Liga. They finished the season second.

“If everyone was at my level, we would be top,” said Ronaldo.

“Every year according to the press it seems I am rubbish, but the numbers and statistics don’t lie.

“I don’t want to undervalue any of my teammates, but when the best aren’t there it is difficult to win.”

- Biased Blatter

Even disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been a target of Ronaldo’s wrath.

In one address, Blatter mocked Ronaldo for having “more expenses for the hairdresser” than “good boy” Messi.

“This video shows clearly the respect and consideration that FIFA has for me, for my club and my country,” blasted Ronaldo, who at the time had only won one Ballon d’Or to crown the world’s best player.

“Much is explained now. I wish Mr. Blatter health and a long life, with the certainty that he will continue to witness, as he deserves, the successes of his favourite teams and players.”

- “I’m too good”

Even before rising to the status of the world’s best player, Ronaldo was ultra-sure of himself, claiming he was “too good” when hammered by rival players and the press alike for going to ground too easily when playing for English giants Manchester United.

Ronaldo was lambasted by Middlesbrough players and then coach Gareth Southgate for winning and converting a decisive late penalty as United progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2007.

“Why does controversy follow me? I don’t know. For me, it’s a penalty. Maybe someone doesn’t like, maybe because I’m too good,” said a 22-year-old Ronaldo.

However, one of Ronaldo’s most steadfast defenders, legendary former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson backed Ronaldo.

“I don’t know what they’re going on about, Jesus God,” snarled the surly Scot.

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© AFP 2016

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