Former Real Madrid star and manager Zinedine Zidane has this weekend moved to throw his personal backing behind under-fire Blancos legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

This of course comes amid a drama-filled week to date for the veteran frontman…

After listening to the words of Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during a press conference on Wednesday, in response to his status as an unused substitute against Norway, Ronaldo made the call to depart national team duty with immediate effect.

The 41-year-old from here took to social media, to assure that ‘in due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team’.

Reactions to Ronaldo’s behaviour have since widely varied, with many having been quick to take firm aim at the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for what was labelled a petulant outburst.

Others, though, have defended Ronaldo, making use of the opportunity to praise the experienced goalscorer for his legendary career.

And positioning himself very much in the latter camp during an exchange with the media this weekend was the aforementioned Zinedine Zidane. Drawn on the name of his former Real Madrid attacker in a press conference on Sunday, France national team boss Zidane assured:

“Chapeau, Cristiano Ronaldo. I can say this, because he made he win incredible trophies. Hats off to Cris. We must salute his great career the right way, as I consider myself lucky to have him with me.

“I have a lot of respect for all my players. But for sure, especially for Cristiano.”