Cristiano Ronaldo has laugh and joke during Portugal training ahead of crunch World Cup qualifiers
CRISTIANO RONALDO was in high spirits during Portugal training today ahead of crucial World Cup Qualifiers.
The Real Madrid striker was pictured in fits of laughter as he was put through his paces along with the rest of the squad.
Portugal are currently training at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras as they prepare to face Andorra and World Cup Qualifying Group B leaders Switzerland.
Portugal have won seven of their eight games in their group, their only defeat coming against the Swiss in the opener.
With only top spot guaranteed a place at Russia 2018, Portugal will be looking for maximum points from their next two games before a possible group decider against Switzerland.
Interestingly, Ronaldo was absent from Portugal's sole defeat to the group leaders.
Since then the former Manchester United man has scored 14 goals as Portugal have a goal difference of nine better than Switzerland, and just three points behind.
But Ronaldo is clearly relaxed about his side's chances.
He was laughing and joking with team-mate Ricardo Quaresma, with the humour ongoing as he performed some speed drills.
But some things are no joke - including how the world class footy player hones his skills.
Latest Cristiano Ronaldo News
SunSport reported how Man United legend Edwin van der Saar revealed how he helped Cristiano Ronaldo master free-kicks.
The Dutch stopper won two Premier League titles and the Champions League in four years as Ronaldo's team-mate.
Van der Sar, 46, told the , he played a small but significant role in his progress.
"Off the field, Ronaldo was focusing on everything extensively, such as resting up properly and strengthening his body.
"After training sessions he would often work on his free-kicks and then come to me and say: 'Edwin, can you go in goal?'
"I'd say I was old so he would be better off using one of the youth team keepers, but he would insist I went in goal as he wanted to score past me.
"I would tease him a lot and say things like: 'You won't score against me, Ronnie, you know it. Ask the reserve goalie, that's better for your confidence.'
"He'd get agitated and reply: 'No, no. You've got to go in goal!'"
Ronaldo has a bit of a reputation for being a diva but Van der Sar added: "Cristiano is a good guy. And the common perception of him is not a true reflection of his personality."
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