Not 100% fit but will always put team first: Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed headlines after being substituted in the UCL tie, by Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri. The ace striker seemed visibly upset with the decision, as he even reportedly left the stadium early. However, he has recently revealed that he is not 100% fit but still he put his national team ahead as he sealed their spot in Euros by scripting two consecutive wins.
I wasn't 100 percent and I'm still not: Ronaldo
"I wasn't 100 percent and I'm still not. In the last three weeks, I have played at a slightly reduced capacity. But, when it comes to sacrificing myself for my club and my national team, I do it with pride," said Ronaldo, reported AFP.
Sarri reasons Ronaldo's knee problem that led to his substitution
Even though Ronaldo said that he was willing to give his 100% for his team, irrespective of his injury, Sarri said that the former was having knee troubles and did not look happy. "Ronaldo was angry because he wasn't very well, he had a knee problem a few days ago and his adductor muscle easily got tired," he had said to Goal.
Despite not being 100%, Ronaldo scored international hat-trick last week
While Ronaldo is struggling with fitness, he was in full flow on Friday, as he netted a hat-trick for Portugal against Lithuania during their 2020 UEFA Euro Qualifiers. Ronaldo was again on the goal sheet against Luxembourg on Sunday, as Portugal won 2-0, to seal their spot in the tournament next year. Notably, it was Ronaldo's ninth hat-trick in international football.
Ronaldo's strike does not surprise coach Fernando Santos
While CR7 was sensational against Lithuania, the national coach, Fernando Santos, was hardly surprised by his performance, despite the former being substituted at Juventus, last weekend, following a bruised knee. "He's fine. I had no doubt about that, as I said before the match. Other people did, but I didn't have any doubts," he had said following the match.
Some records held by Ronaldo in football
Following are some records held by CR7 in football: - He has scored the most international goals in a calendar year: 32 (2017). - He has scored in the most number of FIFA World Cups: 4. - He has won the most Ballon d'Or awards: 5 (joint-most with Lionel Messi). - He has scored the most UEFA Champions League goals in a season: 17.
