‘There’s a reason why Cristiano Ronaldo is in Saudi Arabia’ – All-time great becomes a ‘problem’ for Portugal as 39-year-old extends career towards 2026 World Cup

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner bid farewell to European football following his dramatic release by Manchester United in November 2022. After gracing the World Cup finals in Qatar, CR7 opted to spread his wings and head for the Middle East.

Ronaldo has remained a prolific presence for Al-Nassr – hitting 50 goals for them last season – but posted a blank on Euro 2024 duty with his country. Rather than announce his international retirement at the end of that event, the 39-year-old has vowed to play on – making more history when reaching 900 career goals.

Former England international Agbonlahor, who faced Ronaldo in Premier League action during the Portuguese's first spell at Old Trafford, has told talkSPORT of why an iconic figure is doing his national team few favours: “If you watched him in the Euros, we forget don’t we, that he didn’t do anything. He probably hindered other players being played. I think him playing that many games probably cost Portugal.

“I know people will say that’s harsh and it’s not his fault, but you know, you had your time. You’ve still got what it takes, but have you got what it takes at the highest level any more? There’s a reason why he’s playing in Saudi Arabia, there’s a reason why he got let go at Manchester United, there’s a reason why he’s not playing in Europe. I just think Portugal have got so many exciting players that were left on the bench during that Euros.”

Agbonlahor went on to say of Ronaldo’s ongoing presence in the Portugal camp causing a selection headache for head coach Roberto Martinez: “Ronaldo will want to go to the World Cup, he’s not just carrying on to play the Nations League. The end goal is retiring at the World Cup. But if I’m [Roberto] Martinez I’m like ‘ugh, it’s the Ronaldo show again’. He’s already said I don’t want to be a bench player. He said if he’s in the squad he wants to be a starter. You’ve got that problem. It’s a hard one for the manager because is Ronaldo as big as Portugal?”

Ronaldo has offered no indication that he will be hanging up his boots any time soon, as he looks to reach 1,000 goals. The expectation is that he will play on to the 2026 World Cup finals, allowing him to add to historic international hauls of 213 caps and 131 goals.