Cristiano Ronaldo, the celebrated Portuguese footballer and Al-Nassr star, has been named in Roberto Martinez's first squad on Friday, marking his continued involvement in Portugal's national football team at the age of 38. Ronaldo has been an integral part of the Portuguese national team for over two decades, earning 196 caps and scoring a staggering 115 goals for his country.
Ronaldo had previously been evasive about his international future after Portugal's disappointing loss to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Qatar tournament. However, reports had suggested that Martinez would rely on Ronaldo to lead the team once again, and these speculations have now been confirmed, following the announcement of the Spaniard's team.
Despite falling out of favor with Santos and being replaced in the starting lineup by Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos, Ronaldo has been called up for the upcoming games. This is a testament to his incredible skills, determination, and enduring passion for the sport, which has made him one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Ronaldo's inclusion in the squad is particularly significant as he is currently tied with Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa for the most international appearances in men's football history, at 196. In the opening two European qualifiers, Ronaldo will have the opportunity to surpass this record and further cement his legacy as one of the game's greats.
The Portuguese squad is shaping up well, with other notable selections including Joao Felix, who is currently on loan with Chelsea, and Diogo Jota, who is returning from a calf injury sustained in mid-October. Ramos has also been selected for his impressive performances with the Portuguese side this season.
Ronaldo's continued presence in the Portuguese team is a source of inspiration and motivation for fans and players alike. He has been an icon of the sport for over a decade, inspiring a generation of footballers and demonstrating his skill, passion, and dedication to the game. With the European qualifiers on the horizon, all eyes will be on Ronaldo as he seeks to break the record and lead Portugal to victory.
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