Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a rousing message of encouragement to his Portugal teammates as they look to qualify for December's Qatar World Cup.
Portugal finished second behind Serbia in their qualifying group and have been put in a play-off bracket alongside Italy. Portugal must first see off Turkey before a potential final showdown with the Italians for a place in Qatar, should Roberto Mancini's side defeat North Macedonia.
Despite his 18 goals, Ronaldo has had a disappointing season with Manchester United, who are languishing in sixth and now outsiders to secure a top-four spot. But it seems he has, for now, cleared his mind of Old Trafford worries by delivering a defiant message to his international teammates on Instagram.
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The 37-year-old Portugal captain wrote: “Total focus on World Cup 2022. Proud as always to represent Portugal.
“We know the road won’t be easy, we have the utmost respect for the opponents we will face and who share the same goals as us. But, together, we will fight to put Portugal in our rightful place. Let’s do this.”
United colleagues Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes have also been named in Fernando Santos' squad. Portugal have qualified for the last five World Cups, finishing fourth in 2006. That was Ronaldo’s first finals and many feel that 2022 will be his international swansong on football's biggest stage.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar has netted 115 goals in 184 appearances for his country. Seven of those have come at World Cup finals.
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