Portugal: Ronaldo called up for Euro 2024 qualifiers

The Al Nassr superstar isn’t planning to retire from international games until after the tournament.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has called up Cristiano Ronaldo for his side’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Reports emerged of Ronaldo’s possible retirement from international games after Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup. However, CR7 refused to end his Portugal career, joining Al Nassr to start a new chapter in his club journey.

Martinez, who replaced Fernando Santos after the World Cup, has called up Ronaldo in his first Portugal lineup.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a very committed player,” Martinez said on Friday. “He can bring experience and is a very important figure for the team. I don’t look at age.”

The decision echoes Martinez’s previous comments about Ronaldo’s future. Upon being hired as Portugal’s new manager, Martinez said: “The list of 26 players from the World Cup is my starting point and Cristiano is a player on that list, he has been with the national team for 19 years and he deserves the respect of being able to sit down and talk.”

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr to start a new chapter in his career after leaving Manchester United as a free agent in January. The 38-year-old has registered eight goals and two assists in his seven Saudi Pro League appearances so far this season.