Cristiano Ronaldo: Roberto Martinez plans ‘sit down’ with Al-Nassr forward to discuss Portugal future

New Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez says he plans to “sit down” with Cristiano Ronaldo and discuss his international future.

Ronaldo holds the record for most international goals (118) and has been Portugal’s talisman for much of the last 15 years.

However, he was dropped by Martinez’s predecessor Fernando Santos during the 2022 World Cup, where Portugal reached the quarter-finals.

“Decisions are made on the pitch,” said the former Belgium boss. “I don’t make decisions in the office. I hope to contact all the players.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a player that makes the list. He has been in the national team for 19 years.

“I hope we can sit down with him and create the best team. It’s a day of great satisfaction, but tomorrow we’ll get down to business.”

Ronaldo was left out of the side for Portugal’s last-16 win over Switzerland at the World Cup and didn’t return to the starting XI in the quarter-finals against Morocco.

It seems unlikely that Ronaldo will make the 2026 World Cup given he turns 38 in February and is no longer playing in Europe.

However, the 2024 European Championship are a possibility as they start in less than 18 months.

“We’re going to start a footballing process to try to get to know all the players that could make it to the national team,” Martinez continued.

“We’re going to give all the players an opportunity and respect all those who are already in the national team. Cristiano is one of them.

“I’m delighted to be able to have them by my side. It’s a process that we have to face naturally, with responsibility, and we’re going to make important decisions for the team.”

Martinez’s first game in charge of Portugal will be against Liechtenstein in a Euro 2024 qualifier on March 23.

Martinez left his role with Belgium following a dismal group-stage exit at the World Cup.