OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo included in Portugal squad for November UEFA Nations League fixtures
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal's squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. The 39-year-old was part of the 26-man squad announced by manager Roberto Martinez.
Group leaders Portugal are set to face Poland and Croatia within a week in the Nations League. Martinez's team host Poland on Friday, November 15, in Porto before travelling to Split to face Croatia three days later.
Team captain Cristiano Ronaldo has come under criticism lately due to his sub-par performances with the national team. Ruben Neves, another Portuguese who plays in the Saudi Pro League, however, was excluded from the squad.
Here is the list in full:
The 5-time Ballon d'Or winner is the record holder for most national caps with 216 appearances. He is also the record international goalscorer, having found the net 133 times for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo sets sight on winning UEFA Nations League once again with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title back in 2019, a feat he is keen on repeating this season. The forward, who turns 40 in February next year, reiterated his desire to win the trophy again.
In September this year, he was asked about his international retirement after Portugal suffered a quarter-final exit in the 2024 Euro. Ronaldo told The Athletic that the exit served as a motivation for him instead of a deterrent, adding that he wanted to give his all for his country to win the Nations League once again. He said:
"It [retirement after Portugal's Euros exit] never crossed my mind that my cycle had come to an end, it even gave me more motivation to continue."
"I want to come to the national team to win the Nations League. We’ve already won that competition once and we want to do it again. I’m not thinking long term, but short term," he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo added that while he had respect for the coach's decision, he considered himself a starter till the end of his career. Speaking about his role in the national team, the former Real Madrid forward said:
"In my mind, I’ll always be a starter. Until the end of my career, I’ll always think that I’ll be a starter. I’ll always respect the decisions, not only of the coach, but at the clubs I’ve played for I’ve always respected them."
He added that he felt he was an asset to Roberto Martinez's side and admitted that he would leave if he felt he wasn't contributing to the team's cause.