Qatar 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo Starts for Portugal Days After Man United Contract Was Terminated

• Portugal manager Fernando Santos has decided to go with Cristiano Ronaldo in attack for Portugal’s game against Ghana
• This is despite the controversy surrounding the 37-year old superstar, whose contract with Manchester United was recently terminated
• Ronaldo has scored a total of seven goals in four World Cup appearances, and the striker will be hoping to add to his tally in Qatar

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in his first match since his Manchester United contract was terminated.

The 37-year-old forward was selected to start for Portugal in the crunch clash against African giants Ghana on Thursday, November 24.

Despite his off-field drama which followed CR7's explosive interview with Piers Morgan, Fernando Santos remained undeterred as he trusted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with a place in the starting line-up.

Here is the full Portugal starting XI:

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Costa; Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Dias, Guerreiro; Neves; Fernandes, Silva, Otávio, Félix; Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Ghana - who hold Africa’s hopes for the first goal and possibly first victory of the continent as at Thursday - has the following players to face Portugal:

Ati Zigi; Seidu, Djiku, Salisu, Amartey, Rahman; Partey, Samed; Kudus, Iñaki Williams, Ayew.

Ronaldo’s untimely Man United exit

Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United was confirmed on Tuesday, November 22, in a brutal 67-word statement.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," the statement said read as quoted on Daily Mail.

The club thanked CR7 for his contribution over two stints with the Red Devils, during which time he scored 145 goals in 346 appearances. Man United further wished him and his family well.

Ronaldo went on to release his own statement afterwards, insisting he still bore love for Manchester United and the fans.

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CAF President visits Ghana camp

Sports Brief also reported on President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe visiting the Black Stars at their Doha camp in Qatar.

The head of the African continent's football body wished the team well for their important match against Portugal.

No African team has yet won a game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Senegal and Cameroon losing their openers, and Tunisia and Morocco drawing their first group games.