'Same heart as a 20-year-old' - Ex-Man Utd team-mate believes Cristiano Ronaldo can still be a big asset for Portugal during 2026 World Cup

Questions have been asked of whether Ronaldo should be figuring as prominently for his country at 40 years of age as he did when performing at the peak of his powers. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently captained Portugal as they booked their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

He has reached 219 caps for his country, scoring 136 goals, and is still going strong at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Various options are being mooted for CR7 as his contract in the Middle East runs down, but he is expected to grace another World Cup finals next summer.

Ex-Manchester United striker Saha sees no reason why his former team-mate should not figure prominently at that event, telling Genting Casino: “I think that he's still got the same heart as a 20-year-old. He expresses every emotion. His desire is there, and I hope that he can still prove that he can help. That is what he did (against Denmark). I’m very impressed by him being in that kind of form at this age. It's an enormous achievement.

“He has provided some interviews lately saying that he just wants to be there. He just wants to participate and to be an asset for Portugal and for any team that he's playing for. So yes, who would not want that guy to still score goals and still help his country to lift trophies? I'm a big, big supporter.”

Pressed further on whether Ronaldo will be remembered as the GOAT when the day finally comes for him to head into retirement, Saha added: “I think, yes, it's for me the one that I always said that he's the most complete player. In that regard, it's someone that can do everything on the field. Physically and football, IQ combined and all this, yes, as a player. As a player, he is the best version of a football player if you want to start any game at any level.

“But if you want to have a bit different style because you have a team of other, talented players, you can maybe look at others. But as a machine, as a robot, he is the closest version.”

Ronaldo will not be hanging up his boots any time soon as he intends to reach 1,000 career goals. A new deal is expected to be agreed in Saudi Arabia, while there is no indication that Portugal are ready to start moving him down their international pecking order.