Share

Ronaldo makes Portugal terror target - Santos

London - Cristiano Ronaldo's presence makes Portugal a more significant potential target for terror attacks during Euro 2016, according to coach Fernando Santos.

France is on high alert ahead of the tournament, which starts on June 10, following the Islamic State group terror attacks in Paris last November that left 130 people dead.

"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," Santos told reporters at Wembley after his side's 1-0 friendly loss to England on Thursday.

"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."

The United States warned its citizens earlier this week that the tournament will present "potential targets for terrorists", echoing comments by French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

A three-time Ballon d'Or winner, Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo, 31, is one of the most famous names in world sport.

He sat out Portugal's defeat by England, having played in Real Madrid's Champions League final triumph over Atletico Madrid in Milan last weekend, but is expected to return for their final warm-up game against Estonia in Lisbon on Wednesday.

Portugal have been drawn alongside Iceland, Austria and Hungary in Group F at Euro 2016. They open their campaign against Iceland in Saint-Etienne on June 14.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE