Agence France-Presse
London, June 3: Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence makes Portugal a more significant potential target for terror attacks during Euro 2016, according to coach Fernando Santos.
France is on high alert ahead of the tournament, which starts June 10, following the IS terror attacks in Paris last November that left 130 people dead.
“As everybody knows, Portugal is considered one of the high risk teams due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. But we are prepared for this,” Santos told reporters Thursday at the Wembley Stadium.
“In reality, this will be the responsibility of the French security. Our fans will have to understand that at certain moments we won’t be able to release our players as we would like. We will also have our own security measures in place,” added Santos.
The United States warned its citizens earlier this week that the tournament will present ‘potential targets for terrorists’, echoing comments by French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve.
A three-time Ballon d’Or winner, Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo, 31, is one of the most famous names in world sport. Currently he is taking a break from the game with friends and is in Ibiza. He is expected to join the Portugal squad in Paris, June 7.
Portugal have been drawn alongside Iceland, Austria and Hungary in Group F at Euro 2016. They open their campaign against Iceland in Saint-Etienne, June 14.
