Unexpected decision falls for Cristiano Ronaldo, here’s the reason

Now well established in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo was quick to shake the nets of the Saudi League. The five-time Ballon d’Or had left the last world in December in tears, after a disappointing elimination of Portugal against Morocco in the quarter-finals. While the Portuguese-speaking country has changed coaches in the meantime, the latter has decided to call on CR7 for the next meetings in Portugal.

Record holder of selections (196), and goals (118) with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo had cast doubt on his future in selection. The former of Manchester United notably declared that he would retire if his country were to win the World Cup. Fernando Santos now coach of Poland, it is Roberto Martinez (coach of the Belgium from 2016 to 2022) who took the reins of the Seleçao. For the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Portugal will face the Liechtenstein on March 23, as well as the Luxemburg on the 26th, and can count on the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

CR7, “a very important figure for the team”

While he unveiled his list of players for the next matches on Friday, the Spaniard Roberto Martinez spoke about the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo in the group, while the former coach of the Belgium expressed a desire to renew the group. “He is a player who can bring experience. He is a very important figure for the team. I don’t look at age, but other aspects. I think Cristiano has an opportunity to help the team and pass on the experience of his career.”.

“Cristiano is a great competitor,” says Roberto Martinez

“This camp is important for the players who are here. They have to show their commitment to win games and Cristiano is a great competitor.”also added the new coach of the Portugal.