A frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo slammed PCR testing as "bull***t" on Instagram, before later deleting his comment.
The Juventus star has tested positive for coronavirus for a third time this week, ruling him out of his side's Champions League clash with Barcelona tonight. The 35-year-old has reportedly been without symptoms throughout.
Ronaldo's response was to post a photo with the caption: "Feeling good and healthy! Forza Juve!" He then replied to his own message: "PCR is bull***t" before the reply was later removed.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has now felt the brunt of Ronaldo's wrath, like a teammate who failed to spot him open in the box.
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Of course, it's important to state that the results of all types of coronavirus testing must be adhered to and it's essential that every person sticks to the recommended guidelines.
The Juventus attacker's disappointment is understandable as he has reportedly felt OK, even since he first tested positive while on international duty with Portugal. Clearly he hoped that a negative test result would allow him to play against Barcelona - and Lionel Messi - in Turin.
But recovering patients can still test positive weeks after their initial positive test, even as they feel fully back to normal.
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Ronaldo has seemed in a good frame of mind while first isolating, sharing pictures of himself training alone on social media and sporting a fresh new buzzcut. But clearly it's a big blow to miss such a crucial match. Juventus have also struggled in their No 7's absence, drawing against Crotone and Verona in Serie A.
The Portuguese icon has also been involved in a war of words with Italy's sports minister about the rights and wrongs of him flying back from international duty to isolate in Turin. The player himself has said: "I followed all the protocols and I will continue to follow them, my conscience is clear... Everything I did was authorised.
"We did everything the right way - leaving the [Portugal] team, in the air ambulance, arriving in Turin... I did not have contact with anyone."
However Vincenzo Spadafora blasted Ronaldo as "arrogant" and claimed in a TV interview that an investigation has begun into his flight to Turin, conducted through Italy's Federal Prosecutor's Office.
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Clearly Ronaldo is struggling with not being able to help his team while feeling fully fit. However it's absolutely essential that everyone follows testing and isolation protocol - so it's probably for the best his "bull***t" assessment of PCR testing was quickly removed.
All imagery: PA Images/Instagram
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Serie A, cr7, Coronavirus, Juventus, Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Covid-19
