Portugal’s new head coach Jorge Jesus has explained why he named Cristiano Ronaldo in his first national team squad, stressing that current form, not past achievements, will decide the 41-year-old’s place.
Jesus included the Al-Nassr forward in the 25-man group for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Wales, Norway and Denmark.
According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, speaking after announcing the squad on Friday, the coach said:
“His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count.
“Cristiano is a player like all the others. If he is performing well, he will play. If he isn’t, he won’t.
“He has a different status and has won five Ballon d’Or awards, but does that influence my decisions? No.
“But is he a different player? Absolutely.”
The call-up ends speculation that Ronaldo’s international career may have ended after Portugal’s World Cup exit earlier this summer. Jesus previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and takes charge of Portugal for the first time against Wales on September 24.
Source: punchng.com
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