Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal training at Estadio da Luz as former team-mate Fabio hails the ex-Manchester United forward for 'supporting me non-stop'

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Portugal - with Cristiano Ronaldo front and centre as ever - trained on Thursday ahead of their Euro 2020 qualifying opener. 

They were in action on the pitch at the Estadio da Luz, home of Benfica, where their first two qualifiers will take place.

Portugal, reigning European champions after triumphing in France in 2016, face Ukraine on Friday then Serbia on Monday as they begin with a home double header. 

Portugal - with Cristiano Ronaldo front and centre as ever - trained on Thursday

They were in action on the pitch at the Estadio da Luz, home of Benfica, before Friday's game

Portugal, reigning European champions, face Ukraine on Friday then Serbia on Monday

Ronaldo led his team in a series of stretches and exercises as they trained on the sun-dappled pitch in Lisbon. 

There was a light atmosphere however, with Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva grinning as he received a tap to the head from Sevilla namesake Andre Silva.

Ronaldo's status as a leader was backed up by former Manchester United team mate Fabio, who said that despite the Juventus forward's egotistic reputation, he had helped him immensely earlier in his career. 

Ronaldo led his team in a series of stretches and exercises as they trained on the sunny pitch

Man City winger Bernardo Silva grins as he receives a tap from Sevilla namesake Andre Silva

Portugal begin their qualification campaign for Euro 2020 with the fixture in Lisbon

Portugal boss Fernando Santos cuts a relaxed figure as he watches training from the sidelines

Fabio, along with his brother Rafael, joined United in 2008, and he says Ronaldo helped them both settle into English football.

He told ESPN: 'I've heard Cristiano called selfish, but he gave us non-stop advice both on and off the pitch.

'When I made my debut against Tottenham, I played alongside him. Cristiano told me not to take any risks in our half because he might not be able to get back to help me.

'Then he said, "When you get into the opponents' half, you can do whatever you like". With Cristiano supporting me, I felt so positive.'

Ronaldo's status as a leader was backed up by former Manchester United team mate Fabio