When Fernando Santos was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's health following the announcement that the superstar would not be playing in Portugal's friendly match against Nigeria on Thursday, he gave an unequivocal response.
After working out with the squad on Monday, the 37-year-old was absent from Tuesday's training session for the national team because he was sick with gastroenteritis. Due to illness, Ronaldo was unable to play for Manchester United in either of their final two games before the World Cup.
Since excerpts of the superstar's conversation with Piers Morgan were made public, he has been the subject of widespread outrage. During the interview, which will be broadcast in its entirety on TalkTV over the course of two episodes on Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m., he stated that he felt "betrayed" by United and that he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag.
Gary Cotterill, a reporter for Sky Sports, attended a press conference held by Portugal on Wednesday and asked Santos whether Ronaldo was in fact suffering from a genuine illness in light of his interview, which TV host Morgan described as having taken place "recently."
Before answering, Santos laughed and said: "You would never ask that question if it were any other player in the game. It is a known fact that he is experiencing gastroenteritis, and it is possible for any player to experience difficulties if they are experiencing gastroenteritis. Since this is a fact, it follows that he will not be prepared to play tomorrow."
He added: "The player made the decision, as have many others before him, to give an interview. This is a personal interview, one that is actually quite personal, and we have a responsibility to respect that.
Are there no restrictions placed on Cristiano Ronaldo? It was his choice, and we are responsible for comprehending and honoring that choice. Nothing else but getting ready for Qatar even comes up in conversation.
"It has absolutely no impact on us in any way. He is currently recuperating and resting in his room. He won't participate in today's practice and he also won't be ready for the game tomorrow."
United sources have told MEN Sport that the club refutes two accusations Ronaldo made about the club. One of these allegations suggests that United officials didn't truly believe Ronaldo's daughter was ill, which is why Ronaldo missed the summer pre-season tour. United sources say that this allegation is false.
According to these same sources, the majority of United players believe there is no longer a place for their teammate at Old Trafford. Following the dissemination of the interview clips on Monday, United issued a statement in response to the situation.
"Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo," read the statement.
Once all of the facts have been established, the club will deliberate over how to respond to the situation. Our attention is still fixed on getting ready for the second half of the season while also maintaining the momentum, faith, and sense of community that are being cultivated among the players, the manager, the staff, and the fans.
