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'I never had any doubts' - Ronaldo hat-trick against Lithuania doesn't surprise Portugal boss Santos

The Juventus forward had been taken off in both of his last two games for the Serie A giants, but his international manager trusted his fitness

Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness was never a doubt for Portugal coach Fernando Santos as the star forward scored a hat-trick in Thursday's 6-0 victory over Lithuania.

Ronaldo was far from a certain starter for the Euro 2020 qualifier at Estadio Algarve after being substituted in Juventus' last two matches.

Juve boss Maurizio Sarri attributed the early withdrawal against Milan last weekend to a bruised knee, but the 34-year-old played 83 minutes against Lithuania and showed no signs of fatigue.