Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been included in the squad for the 2022 World Cup, where he will be playing in his fifth tournament.
The 37-year-old was always expected to be included although he is in the midst of his most difficult campaign.
Ronaldo has scored just three goals in 16 games across all competitions and started in just four Premier League games.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus star requested to leave Manchester United in the summer in the hope of playing Champions League football but there were no suitors. He was also dropped by United coach Erik ten Hag as punishment after refusing to come on as a substitute in a win over Tottenham in October.
Ronaldo has not scored in his last three appearances for Portugal. Yet coach Fernando Santos has kept faith in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who captained his country to 2016 European Championship glory and to the 2019 UEFA Nations League title.
“In the last four games, Ronaldo has played,” Santos said. “He is currently playing. All the players that I have called up come with a hunger to win and make Portugal world champion, Ronaldo included.
“I believe we can be world champions and that’s what this team can give.”
