Portugal head coach Fernando Santos has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo has “a huge hunger” to do well in Qatar and has backed him to become the country’s all-time World Cup goalscorer.
Ronaldo needs to score three goals to usurp the great Eusebio, who scored nine times in the nation’s semi-final run at the 1966 finals. The Manchester United striker has scored seven goals across four editions of the tournament, having netted a record 177 for Portugal overall.
His appearance in Qatar will mean he joins a select group of players who have played at five finals. Ronaldo said he is fully “focused” on the World Cup in his controversial interview with Piers Morgan this week.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag has already explained why United are better off without Ronaldo
The 37-year-old’s career at Old Trafford looks over after levelling accusations of “betrayal” at United and saying he had no respect for boss Erik ten Hag. On Wednesday, Portugal boss Santos said he had no problem with the timing of the interview.
Despite his on and off-field struggles with United this season, Santos added that Ronaldo is determined to excel at the World Cup. As per the Mirror, Santos said: “Cristiano, like all of the players I have called up, comes with a huge hunger to show his ability and to make Portugal the world champion.
“Is Ronaldo hungrier? Let’s wait and see. He has always been hungry - that’s why he has stayed at the top of the game for so long.
“I am not interested in what he was like a month ago. He has played four games for Manchester United since then.” Ronaldo missed Portugal’s 4-0 win over Nigeria on Thursday with gastroenteritis after featuring in Monday’s training session.
The attacker also missed United’s final two games before the break against Aston Villa and Fulham due to illness.
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