[Watch] Cristiano Ronaldo joins Portugal squad ahead of Slovenia clash during March international break

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Portugal’s game against Sweden

Returning to Portugal’s national team has made Cristiano Ronaldo happy once more. The attacker was not there for the Selecao’s 5-2 rout of Sweden, which cemented Bruma’s place in history as the only player to wear Portugal’s renowned No. 7 shirt since 2007, aside from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal easily defeated Sweden 5-2 at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes on Thursday night in an international friendly. Ronaldo was hardly missed.

Surprisingly though, Bruma donned the No. 7 jersey in place of their lucky striker, thus the shirt was still worn on the pitch. As a result, according to Sports Digitale, he ended up being the only player except Ronaldo to wear the jersey since 2007.

Ronaldo is looking so happy after returning to Portugal 😍 pic.twitter.com/jvV24qXUZo

— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) March 24, 2024

Coach Roberto Martinez decided not to include Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain and leading scorer for Portugal, in the roster to play Sweden. Ronaldo will be among the players excluded, along with Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, and Joao Felix.

Martinez claims that Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was left out of the starting lineup to give him a break following an intense Saudi Pro League season with Al Nassr.

Martinez did, however, imply that Ronaldo might return to the Portugal side for their second friendlies against Slovenia on March 27.

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With 30 goals and 11 assists in 30 games this season, Ronaldo has been a vital member of his team, Al Nassr.

Roberto Martinez, the manager, started Bruma off the bench but added him in the second half. Taking advantage of a unique opportunity, he scored Portugal’s fourth goal following an excellent assist from Bruno Fernandes.

For Bruma, who had the chance to enter the pitch wearing the No. 7 jersey, it was a memorable night. The winger, who grew up at Sporting, has always looked up to Ronaldo as an influence.

Bruma may have to make do with his regular No. 17, as Ronaldo is anticipated to rejoin the team on Tuesday when they play Slovenia.

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