Fernando Santos has named Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo to the bench for Portugal’s World Cup last-16 match against Switzerland.
Ronaldo, 37, started all three of Portugal’s group-stage games but was substituted in their most recent game, a 2-1 loss to South Korea.
Santos admitted he was irritated by the free agent’s outburst in response to his withdrawal.
Ronaldo’s axe is the latest blow for the former Manchester United forward, who left Old Trafford after his contract was terminated by mutual consent last month. The veteran forward has struggled for goals this season, managing just one in 10 Premier League fixtures.
The Real Madrid legend hit the headlines on Friday after putting his finger to his mouth while being substituted by Santos. Ronaldo has admitted the gesture was directed at a South Korean player and not Santos, but the episode still annoyed the Portugal boss.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be on the bench for Portugal in tonight’s game against Switzerland. He’s not in the starting XI decided by Fernando Santos. 🚨🔴🇵🇹 #Qatar2022
Gonçalo Ramos starts upfront. pic.twitter.com/P54qNGi9au
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2022
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