Although Ronaldo is by far and away the greatest ever player in his nation’s history, he is now 38 years of age and was not an automatic pick at the recent World Cup.
Browsing: Fernando Santos
Santos led Portugal to European Championship glory in 2016 and was at the helm for eight years until his reign came to an end after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Selecao progressed to the quarterfinals of the tournament in Qatar, before they were eliminated 1-0 by Morocco.
Any suggestion of a job-share between Roma and Portugal has been banished, according to reports.
Ronaldo was taken off 65 minutes into their final group-stage defeat and has denied directing an outburst towards his coach.
Both teams had advanced into the next round with the result in the last group stage clash at the spectacular Qatar 2022.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo has the most caps (191) and most goals (117) in the history of the international side.
Their hopes of reaching Qatar next year now hang by a thread after blowing the chance to finish top of a relatively unchallenging group featuring Serbia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan – heaping pressure on Santos.
Ronaldo completed his United comeback on Tuesday, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner re-joining the Red Devils from Juventus.
Despite reports he’d be included, Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the Portugal squad to face Italy in the Nations League.
The Euro 2016 champions, who failed to make beyond group stage at Brazil 2014, will hope to see their players finding form quickly against a dangerous Spain