CR7 rubbishes claims he violated COVID-19 rules

In this Friday, Aug. 7, 2020 file photo Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Champions League round of 16, second leg, soccer match between Juventus and Lyon at the Allianz stadium in Turin, Italy. [AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File]

Portugal and Juventus talisman Cristiano Ronaldo has rubbished suggestions he breached Covid-19 rules by returning to Italy after testing positive while away with the Portugal squad.

Italy's minister for sport Vincenzo Spadafora said on Thursday that Ronaldo may have violated health protocols by travelling to Portugal for UEFA Nations League action.

The Portugal forward linked up with his national side for their October showdowns but two Juventus members of staff had tested positive for coronavirus.

Reports indicated CR7 returned two negative COVID-19 tests but needed one more before being officially granted permission to leave fiduciary isolation and travel to his homeland.

CR7, however, posted an Instagram post on Friday stressing he has been abiding by the rules and regulations throughout.

"Thank you for all the messages of support. My family is on another floor of the house; we can't have contact. But I'm asymptomatic, I can't wait to get back on the pitch to play.

"I'm always indoors, sometimes sunbathing, [which is] also to pass the time,” the former Real Madrid hitman pointed out.

Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Italy - Turin Airport - Turin, Italy - October 14, 2020. General view of an ambulance at Turin Airport ahead of Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Italy after testing positive for COVID-19. [REUTERS/Massimo Pinca]

"I'm respecting the protocol. I haven't violated it as has been said – that's a lie. I returned from Portugal because my team and I wanted to respect all the procedures.

"I returned to Italy via air ambulance and I've had no contact with anyone, not even in Turin,” he added.

Juventus will now have to play without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as he will miss Saturday's trip to promoted Crotone, while a visit to Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League follows three days later.

The 2018 Champions League winner is also in doubt for the blockbuster match (Juventus Vs Barcelona)  against his archrival Lionel Messi on October 28 in Turin.

Ronaldo's Facebook post before Portugal Vs Sweden UEFA Nations League match on Wednesday. Portugal went on to win 3-0 courtesy of a brace from Liverpool's Diogo Jota and a superb finish from Manchester City's Bernado Silva.