Ronaldo misses Portugal and Nigeria friendly... and Santos defends him

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal's friendly against Nigeria later today, Thursday, due to fatigue.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos confirmed Ronaldo's absence due to fatigue, and denied that the player's television interview, during which he opened fire on his English club Manchester United, had any repercussions on the Portugal national team.

Santos said in a press conference, "Ronaldo did not have to inform us about the television interview. Is he not free to make his own decisions?"

He added, "What matters to me is what we talk about in our camp and not what is said outside it. We have to respect his decision."

Santos concluded by saying, "We have to respect the interview he gave, which has nothing to do with the national team."

Portugal will start its campaign in the World Cup in Qatar by meeting Ghana on the 24th of this month, then it will face Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.

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