Ronaldo set to snub Uefa ceremony for friendly.

The 28-year-old is reportedly set to decline the opportunity to attend the Best Player in Europe event in Monaco on Thursday in favour of competing in a friendly

 Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to snub Uefa's Best Player in Europe ceremony in Monaco in order to face Deportivo in a low-profile friendly on Thursday.

The 28-year-old, who is shortlisted for the award along with Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi, was expected to be present for the prizegiving after the Blancos confirmed via their official website that he would be in attendance.

However, according to Madrid-based newspaper Marca, the Portugal international will skip the event to compete in the Trofeo Teresa Herrera an annual event hosted by Deportivo.

A source close to the Spanish giants confirmed the decision. They told AS: "It is a pity that all is happening at the same time, but Cristiano does not have the gift of bilocation.

"We would like it if he could be in both places, but it is impossible."

The Portuguese's absence is set to leave Madrid light on representation for Thursday's event as president Florentino Perez - who was also absent last year - will not be in the Principality due to prior engagements with his construction company ACS.

Ronaldo has been present for the last two ceremonies, where he lost out to Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi respectively.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti's men will discover who they will face in the group stages of the Champions League later on Thursday.