QUARANTINE

Ronaldo returns to Italy in private plane despite corona infection

Cristiano Ronaldo (R) leaves the pitch during the international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Spain. Photo: Indira/dpa.

The Nomad Today/dpa

14 de October de 2020 (19:40 h.)

The Portuguese superstar had his positive test revealed by the Portuguese federation on Tuesday.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is returning to Italy to complete his quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus on international duty, according to a report on Wednesday.

The A Bola sport newspaper in Portugal said the 35-year-old Juventus forward Ronaldo departed for Turin from Lisbon airport in a private plane.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said he could not explain how Ronaldo came to be infected with the coronavirus while with the national squad.

"Since Monday we have been completely locked in," Santos was quoted by Portuguese media on Wednesday. "The workers and players have come in and otherwise no one."

Miss matches

Ronaldo had his positive test revealed by the Portuguese federation on Tuesday and will miss Wednesday's Nations League match with Sweden in Lisbon. He had previously played against France for Portugal on Sunday.

The Juventus forward will also miss club games including in the Champions League as he isolates.

Santos said Ronaldo was "doing well" and was symptom free. He too does not understand "how it could have happened," the coach added.