Former Portugal manager Fernando Santos has not spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo since the 2022 World Cup.

Santos, 69, dropped his talisman for the last-16 clash with Switzerland and the quarter-final exit to Morocco.

Ronaldo has since bounced back with nine goals in seven matches in Euro 2024 qualification.

Santos told A Bola: "We don't talk since we came back from Qatar.

"I made a tactical decision in Qatar. I have already said that he is the best in the world but at that moment it was very difficult for him.

"In the second half of 2022, he had six months that were terrible. He lacked rhythm.

"He wasn't part of pre-season at [Manchester] United and even when he returned to the squad he was barely used."

Despite suffering elimination to Morocco and subsequently leaving his post with his country, Santos has no regrets over the selection choices.

He added: "Today I would make the same decision.

"It was a tactical decision. Me and my team discussed it and thought it was the right decision. It wasn't an easy decision but the right decision.

"But I was always convinced that he could come on and change the game."

Ronaldo was shown to put his finger against his lips after being hauled off in the group stage loss to South Korea, an action which displeased his coach.

Santos said: "I didn't like it, not at all. I didn't like it. I really didn't like it. But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue.

"These matters are resolved behind closed doors."

Santos took charge of Poland in January but was sacked after losing three of his six matches.

He previously guided Portugal to glory at Euro 2016, a game in which skipper Ronaldo was substituted after 25 minutes through injury.