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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Will Freeman

Why Cristiano Ronaldo missed Portugal World Cup training amid Man United controversy

Cristiano Ronaldo missed Portugal's training session on Wednesday as his national side prepare for a warm-up friendly against Nigeria.

The six-time Ballon D'Or winner has found himself at the centre of controversy in recent days after an interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag, claiming he had no respect for the Dutch boss. This has led to many suggesting that he has now played his last match for the club.

This has been followed by a series of frosty exchanges with members of the Portugal squad, with United teammate Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City's Joao Cancelo both having awkward interactions with the star since their training camp began earlier this week.

ALSO READ: Manchester United think Cristiano Ronaldo criticism of two issues is unfair

Now, he is missing training with a 'stomach bug', as reported by the Portuguese media. This will be a blow for Portugal with one of their star players as crucial preparations for the tournament in Qatar continue.

Sport TV claim he will not feature against Nigeria, with Portugal one of many sides taking the opportunity of a free week before the tournament begins to hold a warm-up game to aid cohesion ahead of what is a rigorous World Cup schedule.

The legendary forward will be expected to return for the beginning of the group stage and their first game against Ghana next Thursday. Portugal share a group with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.

The first full version of Ronaldo's interview with Morgan airs on TV on Wednesday night with the second half to follow on Thursday.

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