Cristiano Ronaldo walks off pitch during Portugal team’s celebrations with fans
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to walk away from Portugal's celebrations with their fans before the majority of his team-mates – but it might be down to his lack of involvement in their World Cup progression.
The 37-year-old was dropped to the bench for tactical reasons according to manager Fernando Santos, with 21-year-old replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring three times in a 6-1 demolition of Switzerland.
Having booked a quarter-final tie against Morocco, following their win over Spain, Bruno Fernandes and co. clapped their fans at the Lusail Stadium – but some stayed longer than others.
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Ronaldo was first over to the supporters to show his appreciation having played only 20 minutes, leaving when those who played bigger parts in the triumph came over for their moment.
Dion Dublin then told BBC Sport: "Yeah and that's the word. It was very odd.
"He shook the hands of all the Switzerland players and then he walks over to his fans and then he goes on his own, he doesn't wait for the team and he goes off on his own.
"I don't think he needed to do it. There is enough pressure on his team-mates as it is."
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Speaking after the game, in which Pepe headed home with Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao finishing off fine team moves after Manuel Akanji's consolation, Fernando Santos gave an update on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
He said of Ronaldo's place in the team: "That is still something that has to be defined.
"I have a very close relationship with him – I always have, I have known him since he was 19 years old.
"This relationship only develops, Ronaldo and I never interpret the human aspect of that of manager and player (in relation to) what we have to do during the match.
"I will always consider in my role that he is an important player to have in the team."
He concluded that Ronaldo would definitely be involved in some way against Morocco in their World Cup quarter-final that takes place on Saturday (December 10).
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