The end of Fernando Santos' stint with Portugal was met with quite a few dry eyes by A Selecao's fans, and while some believed that the next to leave the team would be Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United ace returned to earn more records with his national team.
Speaking in a press conference today, the Portuguese ace did not hold back when discussing the mood within the squad, and while doing that, he aimed a slight dig at Fernando Santos, who was criticized by many for leaving him on the bench during a major portion of the match Portugal lost to Morocco and which eventually eliminated the Portuguese from last year's World Cup.
"Changes are necessary in life and Portugal needed one. We have a coach with a different mentality, it is a breath of fresh air. Portugal will be a team with more options to attack," Cristiano Ronaldo stated.
The footballer would go even further by stating some of his teammates feel more motivated for a fresh chance to make the starting lineup, and how that has generated a better atmosphere within the team.
"I am really happy, we have a great environment. Everything is different, even the energy and the vibes. In the past we had a good thing going, but things feel more fresh now. I'm not saying it is better or worse, it is simply different. We have only gone through one training session, but you can see it in all the players. For example, right now everyone believes they have a chance to start tomorrow, while sometimes it was not the case in the past," Ronaldo added.
The former Juventus striker also spoke about a meeting coach Roberto Martínez had with his teammates and with himself to determine the role each one will have for the team, and according to Ronaldo, his duties will allow him to contribute to Portugal's fortunes.
"I am happy to have the coach counting on me. He had a conversation with all the players and with me. I still have that desire to take Portugal to the highest possible place, and as long as the coach wants me to chip in, I will be available," the player said.
Last, but not least, Ronaldo referred to his time at Al Nassr, his feelings about the league, and his controversial exit from Manchester United.
"I was pleasantly surprised. Foreign players there have different skills. If they keep their plan for the next five, six, or seven years, they will become the fourth or fifth most competitive league in the world. I am playing there and I'm getting quite a few minutes," CR7 stated about his first months with Al Nassr.
"About that (his stint at Manchester United), everything in life happens for a reason. I have to time to feel any regrets. Life goes on and we have to make the most out of our experiences," Ronaldo concluded.
Portugal will face Liechtenstein and Luxembourg in their first UEFA Euro Qualifying matches. A Selecao has been drawn in Group J, where they will fight for one of the two direct spots for the UEFA Euro 2024 with Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, and their rivals during this international break.
