Cristiano Ronaldo training decision surprises Portuguese press as starting XI recover

It has been claimed that he instead chose to be involved in a gym session with the starting XI from Tuesday's victory over Switzerland.

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Ronaldo was omitted form the line-up as the Euro 2016 winners eased to a 6-1 win to set up a quarter-final tie against Morocco.

The 37-year-old came on at the end for less than 20 minutes, but still insisted on working at the gym alongside those that started.

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That is according to Spanish newspaper Marca, who write that the Portuguese press in the national side's camp were surprised by what they saw at the training session.

It is said they were left shocked when he opted to take part in a light gym session with the starting XI - designed to help them recover ahead of their next match.

It has been stated that Ronaldo is in perfect condition.

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Manager Fernando Santos has declared he still has a 'close relationship with the ex-Manchester United striker despite dropping him against Switzerland.

He said: "I have a very close relationship. I've known him since he was 19 at Sporting and then he started to develop in the national squad when I arrived in 2014.

"Ronaldo and I never misinterpret the human and personal aspect with that of manager and player.

"I will always consider that he is a very important player to have in the team."

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He also claimed his decision to prefer Goncalo Ramos was purely tactical, with his hat-trick to potentially see him start once again next time out.

Ronaldo's sister was left infuriated by his omission, as she described it as 'humiliating'.

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Meanwhile, Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez took a swipe at Santos on social media after she said it was a 'shame' fans were denied seeing him start.

Stuart Pearce and Ally McCoist believe Santos was justified in his decision to drop Ronaldo following Ramos' dazzling display.