Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly decided against training with the rest of his Round of 16 team-mates on the pitch on Wednesday.
It has been claimed he opted instead to attend a gym session with the starting XI in Tuesday’s win over Switzerland.
Ronaldo was omitted from the line-up as the Euro 2016 winners cruised to a 6-1 win to set up a quarter-final draw against Morocco.
The 37-year-old came in at the end for less than 20 minutes but still insisted on working out in the gym alongside those who started.
That’s according to Spanish newspaper Marca, who write that the Portuguese national team camp press were surprised by what they saw during the training session.
They are said to have been shocked when he opted to participate in a light gym session with the starting XI – designed to help them recover ahead of their next game.
It has been stated that Ronaldo is in perfect condition.
Manager Fernando Santos said he still had a “close relationship with the former Manchester United striker despite his retirement against Switzerland”.
He said: “I have a very close relationship. I have known him since he was 19 at Sporting, then he started playing for the national team when I arrived in 2014.
“Ronaldo and I never misinterpret the human and personal aspect with that of coach and player.
“I will always consider him a very important player to have in the team.”
He also claimed his decision to prefer Goncalo Ramos was purely tactical, with his hat-trick to potentially see him do it again next time around.
Ronaldo’s sister was infuriated by his omission, which she described as “humiliating”.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez swept Santos on social media after saying it was “a pity” the fans were denied the start.
Stuart Pearce and Ally McCoist believe Santos were justified in their decision to drop Ronaldo after Ramos’ dazzling display.
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