As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Real Madrid coach Pellegrini: Ronaldo must not play for Portugal

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini insists Cristiano Ronaldo is not fit to play in Portugal's World Cup playoff against Bosnia.

Ronaldo was selected in Carlos Queiroz's squad yesterday, despite him carrying an ankle injury.

Pellegrini is unhappy and said: "Cristiano can not play for Portugal. I'm sorry for Portugal and the player, but Cristiano has still not regained fitness and the pain does not stop. Cristiano is currently hurting.

"He has spent considerable time in the hospital and should have been able to play this week. Unfortunately, the doctor said it was not possible. We will carefully scrutinize the evolution of his injury.

"I hope he will return as soon as possible because he is a very important player for us. I understand that the Portuguese team came in for him, it makes sense. But the player is unable to play, if he was, we would have already used him!"

Video of the day:

About the author

Tribal Football Staff

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free