RONALDO SET TO START AS JORGE JESUS BEGINS PORTUGAL ERA
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start Portugal’s Nations League opener against Wales as Jorge Jesus begins his competitive reign as national-team manager.
The 41-year-old captain remains one of the central figures in Portugal’s plans despite entering another stage of his extraordinary international career.
Jesus has already described Ronaldo as a symbol of Portugal, but the new manager has also stressed that selection will depend on performances rather than reputation.
For the opening match, however, the decision appears clear.
Ronaldo will lead the attack as Portugal begin their defence of the Nations League title.
The match also represents a new chapter for Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martínez following Portugal’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
The experienced coach already knows Ronaldo well after working with him at Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo enters the match with 979 official career goals, leaving him just 21 away from the remarkable 1,000-goal milestone.
He has also continued to hint that his international career is approaching its final chapter, saying that he is focused on the present rather than looking too far ahead.
That makes every Portugal appearance increasingly significant.
For Wales, stopping Ronaldo will be one of the biggest challenges of the evening.
For Portugal, meanwhile, the message is clear.
The new era begins with their legendary captain still leading the line.