Portugal boss Fernando Santos says the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo could see his team being a target for terrorists at Euro 2016.
Last year, in November, a terror attack broke out in Paris that left 130 people died, with three suicide bombers striking near the Stade de France. The country is still in an official state of emergency and security will be high during the Euros.
There has been a warning from US State department that there could be attacks at venues near stadiums while Paris police force wants to reduce fan zone plans for the tournament.
Portugal lost 1-0 to England on Thursday in a friendly, and after the match the Portugal coach said his team is under high-risk due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“As everybody knows, Portugal is considered one of the high-risk teams due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, but we are prepared for this,” he said as quoted by ABC.
“In reality, this will be the responsibility of the French security. Our fans will have to understand that at certain moments we won’t be able to release our players as we would like.”
Real Madrid forward Ronaldo missed the game at Wembley after he was given time off to rest following Madrid’s Champions League victory over Atletico. The Portuguese was pictured relaxing with his friends in Ibiza.
Ronaldo has enjoyed yet another phenomenal campaign for Madrid in 2015/16. He has scored 51 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Los Blancos and ended the season as a Champions League winner.
A lot has been said and written on Ronaldo’s future, with the Portuguese often being linked with a move to PSG or Manchester United, but the 31-year-old has reiterated his decision to stay at Madrid till the end of his career.
According to latest reports, Ronaldo is set to sign a new contract with Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have offered him a contract worth€60 million Euros and the player will sign the 3 year deal soon.
Portugal will open their Euro campaign against Iceland in St Etienne on June 14 and they then play Austria at Paris’ Parc des Princes on June 18, and face Hungary at the Stade de Lyon on June 22.
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