Santos refuses to discuss Ronaldo future as Portugal focus on Switzerland at World Cup

Veteran attacker, without club since leaving Manchester United, has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammate Joao Felix after scoring the opening goal in the 3-2 win against Ghana at the Stadium 974 in Doha on November 24, 2022. AP

Ronaldo and the Portugal team celebrate. Getty

Ronaldo celebrates scoring from the penalty spot. EPA

Cristiano Ronaldo's delight after scoring. Getty

Ghana's midfielder Andre Ayew celebrates with teammates after levelling at 1-1. AFP

Joao Felix celebrates scoring Portugal's second goal with teammates Joao Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes. Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo is substituted. Getty

Rafael Leao scores Portugal's third. Getty

Rafael Leao celebrates after scoring. Getty

Osman Bukari scores Ghana's second goal. Getty

Portugal manager Fernando Santos refused to be drawn on Cristiano Ronaldo’s club future ahead of the country’s World Cup last-16 encounter with Switzerland.

Ronaldo, the Portugal captain, is without a club since leaving Manchester United last month and has been linked heavily this past week with a move to Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, reports in Spain said the forward had signed a money-spinning contract with Riyadh side Al Nassr, with the deal apparently to begin on January 1.

However, speaking later that day as he previewed Tuesday’s tie with Switzerland, Santos said: “I have not spoken to [Ronaldo] about this. I don't know about this. It is his decision. I did not even know about this and I heard about this when I arrived here.

“We are focused on the World Cup. I don't know anything about this other issue.”

Reports in Portugal have centred on whether Ronaldo would feature against Switzerland. The 2016 European champions, who qualified for the knockouts by finishing first in their group, are seeking to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2006.

True to form, though, Santos would not confirm if his star player would make the starting line-up at Lusail Stadium.

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“I do not read this type of information,” Santos said. “I am focused on my team. We are focusing on training and not paying attention to any polls.

“What I have always done is focus on the immediate match. I am not worried if information is right or wrong.”

On making the final eight of the tournament, Santos added: “There has been a long hiatus … what matters is this match. Portugal always have the obligation to win.

“For us it is good to feel this pressure. We want it and we really want to win. After each game, if you win the game you are closer to being a favourite.”