Juventus have been struggling this season and Cristiano Ronaldo has unfairly been criticised for the failure of the Italian giants in the Serie A.
The record Scudetto winners are on the cusp of losing the title for the first time in 10 seasons as Inter Milan sit 10 points ahead of the side from Turin in the league table.
Juve also suffered a major setback in the UEFA Champions League as they were knocked out by FC Porto on the away goal rule in the round of 16.
Portugal head coach Fernando Santos, however, has come out and said that the recent criticism of the Portuguese captain has had no impact on the legend’s morale as the Seleção prepare for the World Cup qualifiers in a bid of retaining the Euro Championship later this year.
Roman sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport published a front page article titled “Betrayed by Ronaldo” after the Bianconeri were knocked out of the Champions League once again.
Fernando Santos led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and the UEFA Nations League championship as well. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
“When Cristiano [Ronaldo] is with the national team, he always comes with the same vision, the same passion, the same will, the same joy,” said Fernando Santos.
“He always gives 100% when he comes to the national team.
“I don’t think he has any problem in terms of mentality at the moment.”
Ronaldo has been rumoured to be moving back to Real Madrid at the conclusion of this season given the failure to even make the quarterfinals of the Champions League in 2 consecutive seasons now and Santos said he would be happy to talk to Ronaldo about his future if he confided in him for advice.
“I give advice to Cristiano personally. I was his head coach when he was 18, and we have a close relationship,” Santos said.
“We talk a lot, but these are private conversations between friends. We don’t really have a coach-player relationship, but it is different when he is in the national team. If he asks me for any advice, I will let him know what I think.”
Portugal face Azerbaijan tonight in Group A of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, followed by Serbia on Saturday evening and Luxembourg on 30th March to wrap up the international break.
