Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the Portugal squad for the fourth time ahead of Portugal’s double UEFA Nations League fixtures this month against Italy and Poland.

The Juventus talisman has not played for his country after the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia where they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Uruguay.

Portugal coach, Fernando Santos has explained the rationale behind Ronaldo’s absence from the squad stating once again that it was a decision to let the captain remain focus on his club duty till 2019.

Santos said, “The only thing I think about Ronaldo is that he should win the Ballon d’Or.


The coach recalled defenders Jose Fonte and Raphael Guerreiro, along with midfield pair Andre Gomes and Joao Mario.

Everton’s Gomes returns after being cut from the 23-man squad that lost to Uruguay in the last 16 at Russia 2018, having impressed with his recent displays in the Premier League.

Portugal needs either a point or a win against Italy to finish top of Group 3 in Nations League A.

Santos’ side beat the Italians 1-0 at home back in September, before picking up a 3-2 away win against Poland the following month and will be favourites to progress as group winners.

PORTUGAL SQUAD IN FULL:

Goalkeepers: Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patricio (Wolves), Claudio Ramos (Tondela)

Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Juventus), Ruben Dias (Benfica), Jose Fonte (Lille), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Luis Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Besiktas), Mario Rui (Naples), Cedric Soares (Southampton)

Midfielders: William Carvalho (Real Betis), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting), Andre Gomes (Everton), Joao Mario (Inter), Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton), Danilo Pereira (Porto), Pizzi (Benfica), Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Bruma (RB Leipzig), Eder (Lokomotiv Moscow), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Andre Silva (Sevilla), Rafa Silva (Benfica)

Source: https://hotsportstv.com/again-ronaldo-left-out-of-portugal-squad/

I know one Ronaldo