CRISTIA-NO Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing for Portugal vs Italy in tonight’s Uefa Nations League game?

CRISTIANO RONALDO may be considered the best player in the world, but he doesn't believe he's fit enough for both club and international football.

Coach Fernando Santos accepted his captain's request not to be selected despite the nation's disappointing World Cup campaign.

It's not too unusual for superstars like Ronaldo to be given permission to skip unimportant international games during a busy season.

However, with the introduction of the UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo will miss a competitive game against Roberto Mancini's Italy on Monday, September 10.

Now 33-years-old, it seems the Juventus man is looking to reduce his international game time to preserve what's left of his club career at the top level.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said: "After talking to the player, and after he moved to Juventus with all the processes of adaptation that entails, we understand it was best for him to not be present for these games."