Cristiano Ronaldo unaffected by Juventus setbacks, says Portugal coach, and is ready to give '100 per cent'

Portugal coach Fernando Santos says Cristiano Ronaldo is unaffected by criticism of his recent performances for club side Juventus. Ronaldo came under fire after Juventus were knocked out in the Champions League last 16 earlier this month by 10-man Porto, who progressed on away goals. "Betrayed by Ronaldo" read the front page of the Corriere dello Sport after Porto's decisive goal came courtesy of a free kick that went through the Portugal striker's legs as he stood in the defensive wall. Santos says his star forward is ready to give 100 per cent for Portugal in their World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan later on Wednesday. "When Cristiano is with the national team, he always comes with the same vision, the same passion, the same will, the same joy," Santos said. "He always gives 100 per cent 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 linked with a return to Real Madrid, who he left to join Juve in 2018, by some Spanish media outlets and Santos said he would be happy to talk to him about his future. "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."

Cristiano Ronaldo unaffected by Juventus setbacks, says Portugal coach, and is ready to give '100 per cent'

Portugal face Azerbaijan in opening 2022 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday