Madrid (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in Portugal's pre-European Championship friendly against England on Thursday as he rests from his third Champions League triumph but he insists those who doubt his talents are "jealous".
The 31-year-old, who looked jaded in Real Madrid's win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday even though he scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out, believes he is still "number one" and has nothing to prove. After a sixth straight season with more than 50 goals, Ronaldo has been given extra time off and will miss Portugal's game at Wembley on Thursday.
"Come on, let me rest my legs. Now is the time to rest and enjoy this moment. I have six days to be prepared to play a good competition," Ronaldo told reporters after Saturday's triumph in Milan.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Ronaldo's performance in the Champions League final was not a concern for his campaign. The star forward has struggled with fitness problems in recent weeks but should be ready to play Estonia in a final friendly on June 8, two days before the tournament starts.
"I am not worried. What interests me is that he will be with us next weekend and he really wants to help us and to win," Santos said after Portugal's 3-0 friendly win against Norway on Sunday.
Ronaldo said he was also not worried and that he had every reason to feel proud and happy after helping Real win their 11th European Cup.
