Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped to the bench for Portugal’s World Cup last 16 tie against Switzerland and both his partner and sister have now had their say on the decision. 

Ronaldo angered manager Fernando Santos after Portugal’s final group stage game against South Korea, having expressed his anger at being substituted. 

"If I see the images – I didn’t like it, not at all. I really did not like it,” Santos said afterwards. 

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was, therefore, confined to the bench against Switzerland, though Portugal could hardly say they missed his presence. 

Indeed, Santos’ side were rampant against the Swiss, with Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick in their 6-1 victory. 

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What did Ronaldo’s partner say? 

Despite Portugal’s dominant performance, Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez stressed that it was a shame the Portuguese icon did not start the match.

"Congratulations Portugal. While the 11 players sang the anthem, all eyes were on you. What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes,” she wrote on Instagram. 

"The fans did not stop asking for you and shouting your name. May God and your dear friend Fernando(Santos) continue hand in hand and make us vibrate one more night.”

What did Ronaldo’s sister say? 

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s sister Elma Aveiro also shared a message online. 

"Today we are all together, if you think it has to be like this I am here to see it,” she said.

One follower replied claiming that Ronaldo’s absence was a "major injustice”, prompting Elma to respond. 

She wrote: “I don’t know why and I don’t understand it, but I’m sure we’ll have the answers from God later, he doesn’t fail, let’s see.”

After the match, Elma shared another message, appearing to sarcastically mock those who believe Portugal no longer need Ronaldo. 

"Yes Ronaldo is not eternal, yes Ronaldo won’t play forever, unfortunately, he doesn’t score goals now, he’s old, Portugal doesn’t need Ronaldo.” 

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 06: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Will Ronaldo start against Morocco? 

Portugal face Morocco in the quarter-finals this weekend but it’s unclear whether Ronaldo will start the match. 

Santos has insisted that the two have made amends, though Ronaldo was spotted walking down the tunnel as soon as the full-time whistle sounded against South Korea. 

"I think those issues [with Ronaldo] have been solved. I repeat myself from my previous press conference, it is something which is finished and solved,” Santos said.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 06: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal walks off the pitch after the 6-1 win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

However, even if the pair are on good terms again, Ramos’ stunning performance makes him almost impossible to drop.

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