Cristiano Ronaldo's Bold 'I Am Back' Statement Draws Response From Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Published 24 June 2026 · sports

Cristiano Ronaldo's Bold 'I Am Back' Statement Draws Response From Zlatan Ibrahimovic Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 15:39 IST Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts to

Cristiano Ronaldo's Bold 'I Am Back' Statement Draws Response From Zlatan Ibrahimovic Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 15:39 IST Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo saying I am back after Portugal defear Uzbekistan 5-0, Roberto Martinez hails Ronaldo's work ethic. Rapid Read Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace against Uzbekistan (Picture credit: AP) Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic shared a cheeky comment after Cristiano Ronaldo shouted ‘I am back’ at the cameras, after Portugal’s 5-0 win against Uzbekistan, in which he scored a brace. Ronaldo, 41, had come in for stinging criticism after a lacklustre display in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo. But Ronaldo roared back to life with two goals as Portugal kick-started their campaign with a 5-0 drubbing of Group K rivals Uzbekistan in Houston.

Speaking on a TV show, Ibrahimovic was asked for a reaction to Ronaldo’s post-match celebration. “I thought he said he never left. I don’t know why he was yelling I am back," Zlatan said, hinting at Ronaldo’s will to play even at 41. Watch the video here Although Ibrahimovic might have made a cheeky comment, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez stressed the importance of Ronaldo and the team stepping up their performance on the field after their 1-1 draw against DR Congo in the opening game. Martinez further said that Ronaldo remains motivated to perform on the field and has been putting in strong work during training. He added that, even after the brace, Ronaldo is expected to give his best again in the next training session.

“He can have emotions and feelings. The most important thing is the response he gives in training and in the game. That professional side gives him this longevity. What it has achieved…," Martinez said after the match. “They asked if it was genetic or talent, but it is a combination of the two. Tomorrow he will be the strongest and youngest in training again," Martinez added. Ronaldo celebrated by shouting “I am back, I am back" towards the camera after the final whistle against Uzbekistan. Speaking to the media later, he said that it had been a difficult week for him and the team after the draw, but he remained confident in hard work and staying committed to the process.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: June 24, 2026, 15:35 IST News sports football Cristiano Ronaldo's Bold 'I Am Back' Statement Draws Response From Zlatan Ibrahimovic Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...