Portugal manager Fernando Santos has explained his motive for 'dropping' Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo against Spain last night. Ronaldo had to make do with a place on the bench for that Nations League draw in Seville — but was summoned into action in the second half.
Ronaldo completed a stunning return to Old Trafford last summer and netted 24 goals in all competitions. Despite there being little to savour from a team perspective, it was a season that also saw Ronaldo break the record for most goals in senior men's internationals.
Heading into the Spain match with 186 caps and 115 goals to his name in Portugal colours, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner did earn his 187th cap later on in that Group A2 showdown. According to his manager, that was always part of his plan at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville.
