Portugal: Portuguese players have instructions regarding Cristiano Ronaldo

01.10.26 FT UEFA Nations League A

Denmark

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Portugal

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After their captain’s departure, Portugal’s players refused to elaborate on the Cristiano Ronaldo issue on Thursday evening. This came after the victory over Denmark (4-2).

The instruction would apparently have come from the Portuguese Football Federation. "I’m very close to Cris. He knows how much affection I have for him, but I’ve been instructed not to talk about this subject," said Renato Veiga. When pressed further on the issue, the Villarreal player insisted: “I can’t.”

Rafael Leão, the new owner of Ronaldo’s number 7 shirt, also dodged the question: "It’s none of our business." The Portuguese winger also shared his emotions after wearing the number 7 during Portugal’s 4-2 victory over Denmark in the Nations League.

Also read: Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, the government takes action

"Wearing the number 7 was something special for me because Cristiano has been my idol since I was a child. My children were also born on the 7th, so I’m very happy. I did my best to honour this number and this shirt," Leão said.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

Denmark

Portugal

UEFA Nations League A