Madrid/Lisbon - Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo travelled to Portugal Tuesday so that national team doctors can verify his ankle injury. Real Madrid had tried to prevent their star player from travelling, but eventually gave in to requirements by allowing Portugal doctors to have a look at his ankle.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz expressed his satisfaction.
"The rules were respected," he said. "Now the medical team will make the most convenient decision for Cristiano Ronaldo."
Queiroz called upon Ronaldo for Portugal's playoff games towards the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - Saturday and November 18 against Bosnia-Herzegovina - although Ronaldo was supposed to be out of action for at least two more weeks.
"The player is not fit to play and they are going to see that," said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. "The common sense of all will make people at his federation see the truth. We have no proof that they might do the opposite and that they wish to make him play."
Queiroz called for an end to the controversy.
"I do not understand all this nervousness with relation to something that is normal and that we have already gone through with Chelsea, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and that happens in all national teams," he said.
"There is no conflict of interests between the player, Real Madrid and the national team," Queiroz stressed.
He said the final decision would be based on medical tests.
"There is no tour de force, no whim or ego. There is a sense of responsibility, of calling player that we believe have to make their contribution. If one or another cannot, it is up to professionals to make a decision," Queiroz said.
Real Madrid are very worried about the injury of their star winger - the world's most expensive player, - who sprained a ligament in his right ankle on September 30 in a Champions League match against Olympique Marseille in which he scored two goals.
He was back on the pitch on October 10, to play for Portugal against Hungary, but relapsed and left the pitch before the final whistle.
He has not played since and Real's results have suffered in consequence. The Spanish giants are hoping that he will be fit again for the November 29 clash away to La Liga leaders Barcelona.
