Cristiano Ronaldo could write his name in the history books as the player with most international appearances if he were to start in Portugal Euro 2024 qualifiers opening game against Liechtenstein on Thursday.
The 38-year old’s appearance against Marocco at the World cup drew him level with Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa on 196 caps.
Ronaldo was called up to the national squad by new manager Roberto Martinez, despite concerns that the superstar may not ever start again for the national team after their painful 1-0 loss to Marocco at the World Cup quarter-final stage, after which Ronaldo famously walked off the pitch in tears.
Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo is still vital to the national squad and he does not look at age, when he chooses his players.
“Records are my motivation,” Ronaldo said on Wednesday.
“I want to become the most-capped player in history. That would make me proud. But it doesn’t stop there. I still want to be called up very often.”
Ronaldo is currently playing for Al-Nasr after a dramatic fallout with Manchester United, which Old Trafford team terminate his contract back in November. He has scored 9 goals in 10 outings for the Saudi Arabian team.