After another call-up to the national team aged 39, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to the question of a super-sub role with the side.
Less than six months remain before Ronaldo turns 40, but the striker has maintained that retirement is not yet in his mind.
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In June and July, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner appeared in a record-extending sixth UEFA European Championship for his country, although the fact that he did not score a single goal at the tournament in Germany raised some questions over his ability to still deliver at the very top level.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, though, has continued to show his trust in Ronaldo, who has a historic 130 goals in 212 matches for his nation.
Speaking while on international duty ahead of A Selecao's UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland in the coming days, the Real Madrid legend insisted that he is still good enough to start matches for Portugal when asked if he would prepare to be a substitute for the team.
"That's what you think [if he'll be ready to represent Portugal as a substitute]. Until the end of my career, I'll always think that I'll be a starter," he said, per A Bola.
"I'll always respect the decisions, not only of the coach, but at the clubs I've played for, I've always respected them… once or twice, they've also behaved badly towards me (laughs).
"But seriously, whenever there's professional ethics, I'll always respect the coaches' decisions. When professional ethics are not respected, there can always be controversy, but that is separate.
"What I feel at the moment, and the coach's words also demonstrate this, is that I continue to be an asset to the national team and I will be the first to admit it.
"If that does not happen, if I am not an asset, I will be the first to leave. But if I leave, I will go with a clear conscience, as always, because I know who I am, what I can do, what I do and what I will continue to do.
"I see the present in a very positive way because, for me, the most important thing is to face each moment, each cycle, and the cycle is good, I feel happy."
It is unclear whether or not Ronaldo will play at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, but the marksman has previously vowed to continue playing after the age of 40.
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