Portugal national team boss Fernando Santos is the latest to voice his opinions about the recent ban given to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The international superstar was recently given a five match ban after appearing to push a referee in the Super Cup match against Barcelona. Real Madrid ended up winning the game quite comfortably, but the team will be without Ronaldo for the next five matches. As a result, the 32-year-old will be unavailable for key fixes at the start of the season. Fernando Santos has worked with Ronaldo for several years, and he says that the punishment has been excessive.

However, he feels that Ronaldo will not be affected by this ban and that the superstar will be stronger than ever when he returns back to the pitch. Ronaldo seriously considered the possibility of Spanish football after being involved in a tax evasion case. However, a move did not materialise and the striker continues to remain at Real Madrid. He made the switch to Spanish football in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £ 80 million.

He has been one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and has been able to win four FIFA Ballon d’Or awards. Ronaldo is now aiming for his fifth title which will put him on level with Lionel Messi.

“Cristiano Ronaldo never worries me. We all know him well, both his ability and his mentality. The suspension is very unfair to him. He always is going to give the answer in the field,” said Santos ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers for the national team. Portugal will be taking on Faroe Islands and Hungary in the qualification games. The national team are trailing Switzerland who have a 100% record after winning the six matches. Portugal are currently in the second spot of the group B.