Cristiano Ronaldo has had plenty of questions posed as to whether his impact is still as keenly felt for Manchester United.
It is an understandable one, given the fact he's started just one of their six Premier League games so far this season under new boss Erik ten Hag. But when it comes to his importance to Portugal, his compatriots are in no doubt as to how crucial the 37-year-old remains. The veteran superstar has a staggering record at international level — 117 goals from 189 caps.
He could well add to that tally tonight (Saturday) when Fernando Santos' side face Czech Republic in the Nations League.
Read more: Ten Hag may need to revisit Carragher's Ronaldo comments
It is the penultimate game before the World Cup, one which will Ronaldo will be desperate to seal glory in given that it would complete an international treble of honours after success at the 2016 Euros and the 2019 Nations League.
Despite his struggles at United, his fellow countryman Ruben Neves says Ronaldo is still the go-to man for Portugal. And he says he isn't surprised at his comments about wanting to feature at Euro 2024.
When asked about the United man, Neves told TMW: "Nobody is surprised. Working with him, we know what he is. We didn’t expect him to say it at the moment but somehow we already knew it, for the way he works, for how he is involved
"He is always extraordinary when he is called up for the national team, he is a professional in all respects and he will be ready."
Wolves midfielder Neves has himself been subject to intense speculation over his future of late. Several reports have linked him with a United move, with his Wolverhampton days seemingly numbered.
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