After dropping him during the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly still not spoken to Fernando Santos, the former head coach of Portugal.

When the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player was left off of Portugal’s starting lineup for their round of 16 match against Switzerland, it caused controversy around the globe. 

Ronaldo was left off the squad for their quarterfinal match against Morocco due to Goncalo Ramos’ outstanding hat-trick performance. Despite adding the forward later in the game, they lost 1-0.

Santos has now disclosed that since their World Cup exit, Ronaldo has blanked him.

Regarding the decision to bench Ronaldo, Santos said Marca, “I would make the same choice!” It was a calculated move. I have to consider the team first. 

‘I thought strategically that it was the best decision. My technical team and I, as you understand, discussed this matter, it was not an easy decision. 

‘Even for issues personal, friendship and so on, since it had a great weight. My trust in him was the same,’

‘Everyone who was there thought we were going to be world champions. If we had beaten Morocco and against the next rival France, perhaps Cristiano would be in the starting eleven.’

He then added: ‘Anyway, in terms of the pace of the game, it was his worst moment. He had no rhythm. We tried, during the games leading up to the World Cup, and then in the first games, to give him some rhythm, which was what he lacked.

‘When I called him in the morning to tell him that he was not going to be a starter, He misinterpreted my decision. If it were today I would make the same decision.’

Ronaldo has recently made headlines after his Al-Nassr manager said Ronaldo was ruled out of their Asian Champions League tie with Al-Duhail because he is suffering from ‘fatigue’.