Fernando Santos, coach of the Portuguese national team, confirmed that the role of captain Cristiano Ronaldo with his country in the World Cup Qatar 2022 should be determined, after he was excluded from the starting line-up during the sweeping victory over Switzerland 6-1 on Tuesday in the round of sixteen.
Ronaldo, 37, participated from the bench against Switzerland, where Santos started the match with Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, who scored three goals (hat-trick).
The fans chanted Ronaldo’s name at Lusail Stadium, before pushing him in the final minutes.
This is the first time that Ronaldo has been absent from the starting line-up for Portugal during major tournaments, since Euro 2008.
When asked about Ronaldo, Santos said: This is something that should be determined. I have a close relationship with him. It has always been like this. I have known him for 19 years.
The British news agency (BA Media) quoted Santos as saying: The relationship between us is evolving, Ronaldo and I never explain the human side of the coach and the player (regarding) what we have to do during the match. I will always consider him an important player in the team through my role.
When asked directly whether Ronaldo will participate against Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Santos said: Ronaldo will certainly have a role. All players on the bench can be used, if they are not in the starting line-up, they will be able to participate later.
He pointed out: It is important to look at the model of the history of this player, he is one of the best players in the world in terms of professional play, and being the leader, all we have to think about is the team collectively.