Europe

CR9 "Frustrated" By Exclusion From Portugal Squad For Play-Offs

He says playing for his country is among the proudest moments of his career.

Nov 10, 2009 4:48:44 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid (Goal.com)

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid (Goal.com)

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his frustration and disappointment at missing out on Portugal's World Cup play-off against Bosnia due to an ankle injury.

The national team captain returned to Madrid swiftly after being examined by Portuguese team medics who finally agreed with the diagnosis from Madrid medical staff which ruled him out of action for at least ten more days.

Now Ronaldo says he is "sad" and "frustrated" and will have to be content with cheering his team-mates on from the stands, confirming that he will attend the game in Lisbon. He also says he has "no doubt" Portugal can qualify without him.

"It's a huge frustration that I cannot help Portugal, and more so in a moment no less decisive than this play-off against Bosnia," he told AS.

"Nobody at this point, feels more sad than me, because to represent the Portuguese never stopped being one of the greatest moments of pride I feel as a professional footballer and as a citizen but now I have no alternative but to encourage my team from the outside.

"I'll be at the stadium to support my team-mates. I am sure that keeping the spirit that we have witnessed, with unity, humility and solidarity, we will impose the quality of our football.. In the end I will be with the team to celebrate the first of two steps that define our qualification for the World Cup. I have no doubt that we will be there."

Paul Madden, Goal.com

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