Cristiano Ronaldo 'blanking' former manager after being axed from starting XI
Former Portugal boss Fernando Santos has revealed he's not currently talking to Cristiano Ronaldo after their spat at last year's World Cup.
Santos stunned global football when he dropped Ronaldo from Portugal's starting XI for their last 16 clash against Switzerland. The decision was vindicated, as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory.
Ronaldo also started Portugal's quarter-final defeat to Morocco from the bench. Santos' decision to axe Ronaldo dominated the headlines at the time and appears to have impacted their relationship, with the pair no longer sending each other Christmas cards.
Santos and Ronaldo were "very close" during the manager's time in charge of Portugal. Santos, who left his role after the tournament in Qatar, claims Ronaldo was like a "son" to him. The pair enjoyed great success together, winning Euro 2016 in France.
Santos revealed all about the breakdown of his relationship with Ronaldo in an interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola. He said: "That's another thing... we don't talk anymore... I don't know what it was... We haven't talked since I came (home) from Qatar."
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Santos insists their spat has "nothing to do with the Swiss game". The pair first met when Santos became the manager of Sporting Lisbon in June 2003, with Ronaldo moving to Manchester United two months later to start his journey to superstardom.
The Portuguese coach added: "The expression is a little strong, but almost like father and son, or younger brother and older brother. We had a very close, very strong relationship, both professional and personal."
Santos and Ronaldo clashed at last year's World Cup (PA Wire)Do you think Fernando Santos was right to drop Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup in Qatar? Let us know in the comments below!
Santos insists his decision to axe Ronaldo was "strategic" and had a lot to do with his problems at Old Trafford. The veteran struggled to get into United's starting XI after Eirk ten Hag's appointment in May 2022 and was eventually released during the World Cup.
Santos believes Ronaldo "had no rhythms" during the opening games of the World Cup, as he scored just a single penalty in the 3-2 win against Ghana. The coach has no regrets about dropping Ronaldo and insists he would make the "same decision" again.
Santos also highlighted the tragic loss of Ronaldo's son Angel, who died during childbirth in April 2022. He added: "That misfortune that befell your home and your family, which none of us will want to go through. That moment really affected him."
Although the pair haven't spoken in a while, Santos hopes they will reconcile soon. He said: "From my side, the relationship is the same and he continues to be like a son or a younger brother to me. The day the phone rings he always knows I'm here. This is guaranteed."
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