The international career of Cristiano Ronaldo did not stop with the defeat against Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup (1-0). Substitute that day, the Portuguese striker only entered the field in the 51st minute, without managing to save his people. But since then, Fernando Santos has been replaced by Roberto Martinez at the head of the selection. On Friday, the Spanish coach chose to call up the Al-Nassr star for the March matches (against Liechtenstein on the 23rd and against Luxembourg on the 26th).
“We are going to give all the players a chance and respect all those who are already in the national team. Cristiano is one of them, explained the coach. I am delighted to be able to have them by my side. It is a process that we have to face naturally, with responsibility, and we are going to make important decisions for the team. »
Author of 118 goals in 196 selections, Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend in his country. But the top scorer in the history of the Seleção saw his status wither during the last World Cup. He had lost his place in favor of the young Gonçalo Ramos (21 years old).
Still an indisputable holder?
The striker with five Ballons d’Or had experienced this downgrading very badly and his relations with Fernando Santos had become untenable. Around the same time, the Portuguese was ousted from Manchester United after openly clashing with manager Erik ten Hag. Cristiano Ronaldo has since bounced back to Saudi Arabia, to Al-Nassr, for extraordinary financial conditions.
The striker had not announced his international retirement but there were doubts about his future presence with Portugal. The team is looking to start a new cycle with Roberto Martinez and has plenty of promising young players. Finally, the new coach of the Seleção chose to summon the 38-year-old player, even if it means delaying the emergence of certain talents.
