Portugal defender Jose Fonte believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit to captain Portugal during this summer's European Championships.
The Real Madrid forward missed Tuesday's first leg of their Champions League semi-final with a hamstring problem, and Goal understands he is a major doubt for the return clash at Santiago Bernabeu.
But Southampton centre-back Fonte is backing the former Manchester United star to recover in time for this summer's championships in France.
"I have no worries about Ronaldo at the Euros, he is just a beast and he will be ready," he told Goal. "You see him train and it is just incredible, he's so fit and the way he takes care of himself is so impressive.
"He will be ready for Portugal and is such a key player for us."
Portugal are favourites to progress from Group F having been drawn alongside Iceland, Austria and Hungary but much will depend on the fitness of their captain and record goalscorer.
Ronaldo was hampered by injury trouble in the run-up to the World Cup in 2014 and could not prevent Portugal from bombing out in the group stage due to a heavy loss against Germany and a draw against the United States. Nonetheless, Fonte is confident in his side's ability to beat all-comers.
"He is the best I've ever trained against. I think he will have a great competition.
READ MORE | Ronaldo a major doubt to face Man City"We are aiming to win it. We have to aim that high and I believe we are good enough. Of course there is competition from other teams, like Germany in particular, is great but I think we can do it. I want to be part of that journey and believe I can be."
Fonte added that he marks Ronaldo in training and said: "No of course I can handle him... no It is annoying because he plays against me in training as I'm the right centre back and I have to mark him when we do our routines and training matches along with the right full back.
"His movement and his strength are fantastic, on the ball he is so impressive as well."
With thanks to FootiEmoji for setting up a sit down for Goal.com with Jose Fonte.