'Don't be arrogant' - Ronaldo told as Italian sports minister escalates public row

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told not to be “arrogant” or “disrespectful” by the Italian Minister of Sport, Vincenzo Spadafora.

Juventus superstar Ronaldo has found himself in a war of words with Spadafora after testing positive for Covid-19 whilst on international duty with Portugal.

Spadafora accused the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward of violating health protocol.

Ronaldo has since fired back, calling the accusations “lies”, and insisting he has not come into contact with anyone since returning to Turin to self-isolate.

However, Spadafora doesn’t appear to be finished with the argument yet, and issued some words of warning for Ronaldo.

“The skills of a certain player don’t authorise them to be arrogant, disrespectful to the institutions and to lie,” he told ANSA.

“Indeed, the more one is known, the more one should feel the responsibility to think before one speaks and to set a good example.

“I have no intention of continuing indefinitely on this issue. I confirm what I said yesterday regarding the abandonment of the hotel by some Juventus players, based among other things on the club’s communications to the Turin ASL.

“I will not intervene more on the topic and I renew my wishes for a speedy recovery to all who have tested positive."

Responding to Spadafora’s initial comments, Ronaldo said in a video on Instagram this week: “I did not break it, as has been said: ‘It’s a lie.’

“I returned from Portugal because my team and I made sure to comply with all the procedures.

“I returned to Italy by air ambulance and I have had no contact with anyone, even in Turin.”

It's thought that Spadafora made the comments as the Juventus side were isolating while Ronaldo travelled to join the Portugal set up, rather than his actions upon returning to Italy.