"We are here to represent him and the others" - Portugal star on Roberto Martinez's decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of squad
Portugal defender Joao Cancelo has stated that the rest of the Portuguese players will do their best to represent Cristiano Ronaldo in their game against Croatia. The Selecao captain has been left out of the squad for their UEFA Nations League group stage finale alongside a number of other stars.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez took the decision to rest some of the biggest names on his roster after their thumping win over Poland. The Iberian nation booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Nations League with their 5-1 win at the Estadio do Dragao.
Al-Hilal right-back Joao Cancelo was an unused sub in the win over Poland and is expected to feature against Croatia. He answered questions at a press conference about the manager's decision to excuse Cristiano Ronaldo and three others from the squad ahead of the game.
“The coach decided to rest the best Portuguese player ever and we are here to represent him and the others. We are all a very united group and we want to represent Portugal in the best way and we know they are not here to help and we want to give the best performance possible,” Cancelo said (via Al Nassr Zone on X).
Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice and assisted once for his country, including a splendid bicycle kick, in the 5-1 win over Poland to take his professional goal tally to 910 goals. Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, and Rafael Leao were also on the scoresheet for the side who won the competition in 2019.
Martinez has allowed Neto, Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva to return to their clubs alongside Ronaldo after the game. Youngster Geovany Quenda and striker Fabio Silva have been called up to feature in the game against Croatia on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo creates yet another international record in Portugal's win over Poland
Cristiano Ronaldo enhanced his international reputation during Portugal's 5-1 win over Poland in the UEFA Nations League. The Al-Nassr superstar was on the scoresheet twice as his country sealed their place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Ronaldo propelled Portugal to the win on home soil, his 132nd in his country's colours, making him the player with the most international wins. He overtook former teammate Sergio Ramos, who won 131 games during his international career with Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a panenka penalty (72') before scoring an audacious acrobatic effort (87') to cap off the win for his side in the closing stages. He has now scored 135 goals for the Selecao, extending his tally as the most prolific goalscorer in men's international football history.