'I can speak for myself' - Nuno Mendes responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's strong criticism of 'players who don't want to represent Portugal'

Ronaldo said he is "disappointed" in players who do not want to represent Portugal and insisted there is "nothing better than playing for the national team, representing your country, your culture, your children" while collecting an award in his homeland this week.

The Al-Nassr star did not name any players he was referring to, but it could not have been Paris Saint-Germain defender Mendes, who responded to the captain's comment.

"Everyone has their own opinion," he told reporters. "I can speak for myself, I am very proud to represent Portugal and I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. I will always give my all and I will always be available to be here."

Ronaldo and Mendes will both expect to feature when the Selecao take on Poland in the Nations League on November 15, which will be followed by a clash against Croatia three days later.