'I'm not worried about Ronaldo,' insists Portugal boss Santos

The Real Madrid forward’s attitude and demeanour have been questioned of late but the Seleccao coach sees no cause for concern

Portugal boss Fernando Santos says he is not in the least bit worried about Cristiano Ronaldo’s current mental state, insisting that the attacker remains as committed as ever to playing for his country.

Ronaldo’s mindset has been the focus of much debate in recent weeks, on account of his break-up with former girlfriend Irina Shayk, as well as the controversy caused by his decision to go ahead with his 30th birthday party celebrations just hours after an embarrassing 4-0 derby defeat at Atleteico Madrid.

However, Santos is not in the least bit concerned about his star player, claiming he remains determined as ever to help Portugal win a major international honour.

“Cristiano Ronaldo does not worry me because all the players who come have a great motivation to play, to win titles,” he told reporters on Monday.

“They have been close to winning titles but they have not succeeded yet. Players want to be in the finals and Cristiano Ronaldo thinks the same way. 

“The problem would be if he could not come to join the national team.”

Ronaldo, who has netted 52 times in 118 appearances for Portugal, played a key role in his country’s run to the final of Euro 2004, where they were surprisingly beaten on home soil by Greece.

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