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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Cryptic Cristiano Ronaldo claim emerges from inside Portugal dressing room as manager delivers truth bomb

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of two people who felt Portugal's dramatic World Cup exit to Morocco the hardest as boss Fernando Santos reveals "no regret" over the striker's starting snub.

The 37-year-old has been in the headlines after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan led to him being sacked by Manchester United as his second Old Trafford stint ended in an unbefitting status, then most recently national team coach Santos left him on the bench for crucial knockout matches - instead opting for the youthful option in the form of Goncalo Ramos.

And he revealed after the quarter-final defeat that both he and Ronaldo, who's dream of lifting international football's elite trophy in what was likely his last major tournament was blown away, took the narrow 1-0 defeat badly. Ronaldo could be seen in tears as he went straight down the tunnel upon the full-time whistle instead of congratulating the victorious Moroccan's or consoling his teammates.

Santos said: "I do not regret [not starting Ronaldo]. The two most upset people with the elimination are Cristiano Ronaldo and me."

It remains to be seen what lies next for Ronaldo with the free agent being linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia amid his exit from the English Premier League.

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