Portugal boss Fernando Santos has revealed how he told Cristiano Ronaldo he would not be starting ahead of their emphatic 2022 FIFA World Cup victory over Switzerland.
The former Manchester United forward has been a hot topic in recent days after he was benched for A Selecao's round of 16 tie against the Swiss, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos going on to score a stunning hat-trick.
Read: Ronaldo hits back at 'threat to leave WC' claim
Following the win, a number of figures in football have claimed that Portugal looked better without the 37-year-old in the team.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's reaction at the final whistle caused a stir as the veteran walked straight off the pitch while his teammates were still celebrating their victory with the fans.
Santos has now shared the details of the conversation he had with the striker when he told him he was not starting the match.
"There was a conversation with Ronaldo, it would be bad if it hadn't happened," the 68-year-old said, per Portuguese news website SAPO 24.
"This conversation had to happen, I don't do that to everyone, it's true, but someone who is who he is, everything he represents to the Portuguese, naturally he had to have this conversation with him.
"It happened on the day of the game, after lunch. I didn't have any conversation before.
"I explained to him the reasons why he wasn't going to play. I said that I didn't count on him at the beginning, that he would be very important during the match, that he could resolve the game in the second half."
Read: BREAKING: Portugal release statement on Ronaldo rumours
Santos also revealed how Ronaldo reacted to the benching.
"Cristiano was not satisfied, it's obvious, he always played in the starting line-up, it's normal that he wasn't satisfied," he added.
"He didn't accept the arguments simply, but it was a normal and calm conversation.
"But he never told me, me, or anyone else of those who are here, he wanted to leave the selection."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: HOW CRISTIANO RONALDO WAS MADE TO LOOK STUPID