Although sources say the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has no discomfort and is in “perfect condition,” he has refused to train with the rest of the substitutes ahead of Portugal’s quarterfinal clash with Morocco on Saturday. This comes after Portugal’s thumping 6-1 victory over Switzerland on Tuesday evening.
This might be the result of a bruised ego, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was replaced in the starting XI with Goncalo Ramos by manager Fernando Santos ahead of the Switzerland game. a decision that ensured Portugal’s success, as the Benfica attacker scored a memorable hat-trick, alongside teammates Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, and Rafael Leao, who also delivered stunning performances.
However, following the match, Ronaldo refused to join the on-pitch training session Santos organized for the players who started on the bench. Choosing instead to stay in the gym with the starters from the game, including Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.