Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss the international friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria.
The Portuguese national team is set to take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a preparatory international friendly before they depart for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
According to reports, the wantaway Man United forward will not play the match.
The news has been confirmed by the head coach of the Portugal national team, Fernando Santos, who said the 37-year-old is suffering from a mild illness, which will rule him out of the friendly.
Ronaldo is reportedly suffering from Gastrointestinal inflammation and will not be able to play the friendly match.
Nevertheless, he is in good spirits ahead of the World Cup and is bent on leading the squad to World Cup glory.
Coach Fernando Santos confirmed that Ronaldo’s controversial interview would not affect the team’s chances in the World Cup.
The Portuguese star granted a controversial bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, sparking criticism from fans and pundits.
The five times Ballon d’Or winner took a dig at Manchester United for betraying him after he obeyed his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson and snubbed a move to Manchester City in favor of United last summer.
According to Ronaldo, nothing has changed in the facilities and equipment at the club, blaming the Glazers for dealing only with the “marketing” aspect of the club while leaving the “sports” aspect in the rubble.
He added that the club’s hierarchy had wanted to throw him out of the club since last year and did not believe him when he told them he had to excuse himself from the club’s pre-season tour to attend to the health of his sick child.
Ronaldo also slammed Erik Ten Hag, revealing his disdain and lack of respect for the former Ajax manager.
According to him, Erik Ten Hag had disrespected him at the club. Hence he cannot respect the coach.
Even his former teammates, Gary Neville and Wayne, had a share of Ronaldo’s tirade in the interview saying it is hard to entertain criticisms from those he had shared the dressing room with.
Ronaldo slammed Wayne Rooney, accusing him of jealousy after the Englishman ended his career before him.
He attacked Gary Neville in the interview, blasting him for trying to shoot himself to fame by criticizing him.
Meanwhile, Portugal head coach Fernando Santos has admitted that despite Ronaldo not featuring in the friendly game against Nigeria, the wantaway Man United striker is in good spirits to take the team to the World Cup.
He added that the interview would not affect the team’s spirits and chances at the World Cup.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time top scorer and team captain, hence, his presence in the team is very important in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.
Portugal will take on Nigeria by 7:45 pm today, November 17, at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Portugal as the team prepares for the World Cup.
You can buy tickets for the match here. The match will also be streamed live on online platforms like BEINSport.com
