Cristiano Ronaldo is not essential to the Portuguese selection, according to Joao Cancelo.
Having gone into exile in Saudi Arabia during the winter of 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo is not yet in early retirement. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to pile up goals – 30 in 33 appearances this season with Al-Nassr – and to be called up for the Portugal selection, with whom he will play the Euro in Germany this summer.
But if the former Madrilenian still displays impressive statistics, his influence is no longer the same at the age of 39. So much so that he is no longer considered essential to the Seleçao. In any case, this is the clear opinion of his compatriot Joao Cancelo.
“The national team does not depend entirely on him”
“He is an important player who spent fifteen years competing with Messi for the Ballon d'Or, but the peak of a footballer's career is between the ages of 25 and 32. He is an important player for us, but the national team does not depend entirely on him.”, indicated the Barcelona resident for the Portuguese channel RTP. A statement that should not please CR7…
Currently with his selection, Ronaldo, like Cancelo, has been rested for the friendly match against Sweden, scheduled for this Thursday. The top scorer in Portugal's history should, however, be on the field on Tuesday to face Slovenia.
