Cristiano Ronaldo released from Portugal squad
The 2016 UEFA Euro champions have already secured top spot in their Nations League group
Cristiano Ronaldo, along with three Premier League stars, has been released from the Portugal squad ahead of their clash with Croatia.
The 2016 UEFA Euro champions have already secured top spot in their Nations League group following a dominant 5-1 victory over Poland on Friday.
Portugal’s final group match, against Croatia, is set for Monday, but it will be a dead-rubber fixture with no bearing on the standings.
Ahead of the match, manager Roberto Martinez has decided to release four key players including Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes.
Explaining the decision, Martinez stated that he wants to experiment with new players and provide valuable experience to younger talents in the upcoming match.
This news will come as a boost for Premier League giants Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United, as well as Al-Nassr, who will welcome back their star performers.
While Silva, Neto, and Ronaldo are being rested, Fernandes will miss the game due to suspension after picking up a yellow card against Poland.
Speaking to reporters after the Poland clash, the former Everton boss said, “In the first stage, we made six changes from one game to the next. It’s important for us to be first, and we already are.
“We need to be competitive to add to the group, it’s getting harder and harder to get into the starting eleven. There’s a World Cup finals in 18 months.
“The game against Croatia is important, we need to look at other players.
“We’re going to let go of Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended.
“We’re going to call up Fábio Silva and Quenda for the Under-21s.”
The 39-year-old, who netted a brace in Friday’s victory, will enjoy a well-earned break before returning to action with Al-Nassr against Al-Qadisiyah in the Saudi Pro League on November 22.
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