Portugal’s national team coach has extended an invitation to Cristiano Ronaldo, the veteran midfielder playing for Al-Nassr, to participate in the 2024 European Championship qualifying campaign. The call signals a strong belief in the value Ronaldo brings both on and off the pitch as Portugal looks to solidify its position in the group and push toward a favorable result in the upcoming fixtures.
Martinez, who oversees the squad, emphasized Ronaldo’s resolve and leadership, highlighting the experience he accrues as a critical asset for the group. Acknowledging the player’s long career and continued influence, the coach stated that age is not a deciding factor when considering contributions to the team. The message underscored that Ronaldo’s competitive spirit remains intact and that he can help uplift his teammates during demanding qualifiers.
In tandem with Ronaldo’s potential return, Portugal is preparing for back-to-back dates in the qualifying schedule. The team is set to face Liechtenstein and Luxembourg in March, with the hopes of making a strong impression in the early stages of the campaign. The group also includes teams that have a strong historical pedigree in European play, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, and Slovakia, creating a challenging path toward the finals.
Ronaldo’s status with the national squad followed a period in which his place in the starting lineup came under scrutiny during the World Cup cycle in Qatar. The campaign culminated in a quarter-final exit following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco, a match in which Ronaldo began on the bench and entered the action in the second half without enough time to alter the result. He also started on the bench for the Round of 16 clash against Switzerland, from which Portugal advanced to that stage with limited involvement from the captain on the day.
Recent discussions around Ronaldo’s club situation and potential teammates have continued to surface in media and fan discourse. One notable rumor pegged a possible link with a club known for its ambitions in the Russian Premier League, highlighting the ongoing interest from several sides in adding a player of Ronaldo’s stature, experience, and goal-scoring instinct to their ranks. While those possibilities generate conversation, the focus for the national team remains on performance, cohesion, and tactical execution as they navigate the qualifying rounds.