LUSAIL, Qatar — Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Cristiano Ronaldo‘s ongoing role in his team is “something which has to be defined” after dropping the 37-year-old for Tuesday’s 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16.
A hat trick from Ronaldo’s replacement, 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, in addition to goals from Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and substitute Rafael Leao set up a quarterfinal with Morocco on Saturday.
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Ronaldo was restricted to a 17-minute cameo after reacting negatively to being taken off in Portugal’s final group match — a 2-1 loss to South Korea.
Asked about Ronaldo’s future status within the team, Santos said: “That is still something which has to be defined. I have a very close relationship with him, I always have. I’ve known him since he was 19 at Sporting and then he started to develop in the national squad when I arrived in 2014.
“Ronaldo and I never misinterpret the human and personal aspect with that of manager and player. I will always consider that he is a very important player to have in the team.
“This [disciplinary matter] is something that is finished and solved, it is also important to look at the example of this player’s history. He is one of the best players in the world and therefore all we have to do is come [together] collectively.”
