Cristiano Ronaldo: One of Portugal’s Biggest Newspapers Calls for Ronaldo to Be Dropped From the Starting XI

Cristiano Ronaldo: One of Portugal’s Biggest Newspapers Calls for Ronaldo to Be Dropped From the Starting XI

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:12 PM
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  • Portugues newspaper A Bola has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to be dropped from Portugal's starting XI when they face Spain tonight
  • Ronaldo has struggled for both club and country this season, scoring just the one goal
  • The 37-year-old holds the record for the most international goals with 117 from 190 caps

Being Portugal's greatest footballer hasn't stopped people from calling for Cristiano Ronaldo's axing from Portugal's starting XI.

One of the country's biggest newspapers, A Bola published a headline that translated into 'less Ronaldo, more Portugal’.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Manchester United, 2022 World Cup, Euro 2016, Euro 2024, 2019 Nations League, Europa League, Premier League
Cristiano Ronaldo injured with a bloody nose during the UEFA Nations League match between Czech Republic and Portugal. Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth.
Source: Getty Images

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One of Portugal's biggest newspapers has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's status as a guaranteed starter for the Portugal national team, according to talkSPORT.

The 37-year-old has been ever-present for Portugal since he made his debut 19 years ago. He has broken many records in international football, including scoring the most goals for a country with 117.

Ronaldo's success with Portugal

The Manchester United man has played 190 times for his country, leading them to glory in Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019.

The 37-year-old has struggled this season for his club, scoring just the one goal. He was ready to leave Old Trafford this past summer, but no deal was available for him to play Champions League football.

Ronaldo has insisted that he wishes to play for his country for a few more years.

I hope to be part of the Federation for a few more years. I still feel motivated; my ambition is high. I’m in a team with young people. I want to be part of this World Cup and the European too; I’m going to assume that right away.

A Bola said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is 'losing influence in the selection' and his 'game volume has reduced'. Portugal play Spain tonight and will hope to book a spot in the Nations League finals with a win.

United players battling for Ronaldo's shirt

Sports Brief earlier reported on two Manchester United players fighting for Ronaldo's no. 7 shirt. Many players will want to wear a shirt won by greats like George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Antony and Jadon Sancho are believed to be battling for the iconic jersey. The two young stars possess the talent to inherit the shirt when Ronaldo leaves United.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
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