Portugal boss, Fernando Santos has spoken about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal national team.

Santos spoke after benching the legendary striker in Portugal in the World Cup round of sixteen win on Tuesday.

Santos chose to play Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, who ended up scoring three goals on the night.

Ramos became the first player to score a hat-trick in the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

Ronaldo has only scored once at the World Cup this year, on a penalty effort against Ghana in the opening match.

Speculation will now naturally turn to whether or not the 21-year-old Benfica man will retain his place in the side for the next game or whether Ronaldo will return despite his lack of form this season.

Santos was asked about Ronaldo’s role within the team, and he told reporters, “That is still something that has to be defined."

“I have a very close relationship with him—I always have; I have known him since he was 19 years old."

“I will always consider it part of my role that he is an important player to have on the team.”