Roberto Martínez Reinstates Ronaldo for Nations League

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has brought Cristiano Ronaldo back into the national team squad for two upcoming Nations League matches. Ronaldo, after a disappointing Euro 2024, is set to join the team against Croatia and Scotland. Martínez aims to start a new cycle for the 2026 World Cup.

In a significant move, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has reinstated Cristiano Ronaldo into the national squad for the first two matches of the Nations League. The decision follows Ronaldo's lackluster performance at the recent European Championship.

Martínez made the announcement on Friday, ahead of Portugal's home fixtures against Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8. At 39, Ronaldo remains an influential figure with a record of 130 goals in international men's soccer, despite not scoring in any of Portugal's Euro 2024 games before the team was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.

Martínez has emphasized that his team is embarking on a 'new cycle' aimed at the 2026 World Cup. This decision marks Ronaldo's return to the starting lineup, replacing the previous coach Fernando Santos's choice to bench him midway during the 2022 World Cup. Ronaldo, slated to be 41 during the next World Cup, will add experience to the squad.

(With inputs from agencies.)