KAZAN, Russia -- Portugal manager Fernando Santos was plied with questions about Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday and eventually refused to carry on answering more inquiries on the subject.
Santos was speaking in his prematch news conference in Kazan Arena ahead of the European champion's opening Confederations Cup game against Mexico on Sunday.
"This is the final word on Cristiano," Santos said, about halfway through his appearance in front of the media. "I'm sure everyone wants to ask the same question, but we are representing Portugal and are playing tomorrow against Mexico."
By that point Santos had already launched a staunch defence of Ronaldo's character, in the wake of the 32-year-old's problems with accusations of tax evasion by the Spanish authorities which, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC, have led to him considering a move away from Real Madrid.
"You know that I've known Ronaldo for many years, I was his last coach in Portugal, when he was only 18," Santos said.
"I'd put my hands in the fire -- and it's something I rarely do -- for the character and integrity of Mr. Cristiano as a man and an athlete."
Goalkeeper Rui Patricio also commented on Ronaldo's situation, arguing that the former Manchester United player is "totally focused" on helping his team in Russia.
"He's a top athlete, focused on what he has to do," the Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper said. "Without doubt he will have a great Confederations Cup."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Santos are preparing for Portugal's Confederations Cup campaign.
Of the reports surrounding Ronaldo, Santos said that "you have to be careful about from where" they came from and refused to state that Portugal are the favourites for the Confederations Cup, suggesting instead that they are merely "a candidate."
He added: "This national team has a very strong bond. 'I' has ceased to exist and we've constructed a 'we'."
Santos showed a lot of respect for Sunday's opponents Mexico, highlighting El Tri's technical ability and suggesting he thinks coach Juan Carlos Osorio will play a back line of four.
"Irrespective of who plays they are very fast players with technical ability," Santos said, adding that he's not expecting Osorio to make too many changes to stop the Portuguese threat.