Cristiano ronaldo no Longer Working with Portugal National Team
LISBON, Portugal – November 14, 2023 – Cristiano Ronaldo has been released from duties with the Portuguese national team following a review of roles within the squad, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced today. The change impacts Ronaldo’s involvement in non-playing capacities, specifically related to team organization and support, but does not affect his status as a player for the national side.
the decision, made by newly appointed national team coach Roberto Martínez, aims to streamline operations ahead of the UEFA European Championship, scheduled to run from June 11th to July 19th, and involving 48 teams. While Ronaldo remains available for selection as a player, he will no longer contribute in roles concerning the team’s internal structure. This shift comes as Martínez seeks to establish his own leadership framework and optimize the team’s readiness for the tournament.
Ronaldo, who has represented Portugal a record 205 times, previously held an informal advisory role, offering input on team logistics and player welfare. The FPF confirmed that the change was a mutual decision reached after discussions between Martínez and Ronaldo.
“Roberto Martínez and Cristiano Ronaldo had a meeting and agreed that, in this new stage, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be involved in the organizational structure of the National Team,” the FPF stated. ”This decision allows the coach to fully implement his vision for the team.”
The move follows a period of transition for the Portuguese national team after the departure of Fernando Santos, who led the team to victory at the 2016 European Championship. Martínez, appointed in January 2023, is tasked with revitalizing the squad and building a competitive team for the upcoming euro 2024 and beyond. Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr, continues to be a key figure on the field and is expected to be a central part of Martínez’s plans as a player.