Ronald 'part of the family' as Swans winger silences critics

[PA Media] Vitor Matos says Ronald will always be "part of the family" at Swansea City after the Brazilian silenced critics with another bright cameo during Saturday's win over Burnley. Ronald came close to joining Millwall earlier this month after Swansea agreed a fee – believed to be about £2m – with the London club. But the deal collapsed on deadline day with the 25-year-old unable to agree personal terms, prompting social media flak for a player who has faced his share of criticism since joining Swansea in January 2024. Though Swansea were prepared to sell Ronald, Matos has brought the former Estrela da Amadora player straight back into the first-team fold – and he has responded by continuing his bright start to the season. Having scored as a substitute at Derby last month, Ronald came off the bench to provide a sharp assist for Zan Vipotnik's match-sealing third goal against the Clarets. "I think since I've arrived here, Ronnie, he's unbelievable," Matos said. "His wall of work… he just works so much. He has so much energy. He tries to help the team with everything he has. [PA Media] "He never changed - never changed in pre-season, never changed even with the situation of getting transferred or not. "That's why I think he deserves all the credit, he deserves all the reward for coming off the bench and impacting games. "I am really happy for him because he's a part of us, he's a part of the family. It will always be like that." Ronald continues to play an important role under Matos despite the significant options Swansea now have out wide. He was introduced against Burnley ahead of summer signing Joseph Opoku, who was an unused substitute, while on-loan Manchester City teenager Jeremy Monga was once again absent from Swansea's matchday squad. After Vipotnik's goal, Swansea's players ran to celebrate with Ronald – while the home crowd sang the winger's name just minutes after his introduction had prompted grumbles from some in the stands. Matos said Ronald deserves the backing of Swansea's fans, adding: "I think it's good when this connection starts growing. "We are all human beings, we all have good and bad moments in life. The most important thing is how we fight the bad ones and find a way to come back again. That's what he did. I hope he can keep going like that."