Cristiano Ronaldo released from Portugal squad for Croatia clash despite scoring twice in win over Poland; Roberto Martinez explains decision

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines once again after netting a sensational brace to help Portugal defeat Poland 5-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash (November 15). Despite this, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been released from Portugal's squad, along with Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, and Bernardo Silva.

A Selecao cemented their position as League A Group 1 winners following their victory against Poland. They currently have 13 points from five games and are six points ahead of second-placed Croatia. Martinez and Co. are set to face the latter in a dead rubber on Monday, November 18, to round off the group stage phase.

Following the game, Martinez released Cristiano Ronaldo and the other three senior starts in order to give an opportunity to younger players. He told the media (via GOAL):

"In the first stage, we made six changes from one game to the next. It's important for us to be first, and we already are. We need to be competitive to add to the group, it's getting harder and harder to get into the starting eleven. There's a World Cup finals in 18 months."

He added:

"The game against Croatia is important, we need to look at other players. We're going to let go of Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended. We're going to call up Fábio Silva and Quenda for the Under-21s."

Cristiano Ronaldo will be back in action for Al-Nassr when they take on Al-Qadisiyah in the Saudi Pro League on November 22.

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Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement date following Portugal's 5-1 win over Poland

Portugal ace Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he could retire in one or two years. He also confirmed that he isn't fixated on reaching 1000 career goals and wants to enjoy his football while being in the twilight years of his career.

The 39-year-old was excellent for Portugal in their 5-1 win over Poland. He netted a penalty, before scoring a breathtaking bicycle kick from close range to score his nation's fifth of the night. In addition, he also assisted Pedro Neto to register a total of three goal contributions.

When asked about his perceived target of 1000 goals, Ronaldo replied (via @TheNassrZone):

“I want to enjoy day by day, honestly the 1000 goals don’t interest me at all, I want to enjoy."

The forward also spoke on his retirement:

"It will happen in a year or two, I don’t know, it’s about enjoying football and when I don’t feel that way I will take a step forward and say it’s not for me anymore, do I want to reach 1000 goals? It’s normal that I want to but honestly, I’m not thinking about it, in three months I will be 40 so take it easy and keep enjoying it”

Following his brace against Poland, Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 910 goals and provided 256 assists in 1,251 appearances across all competitions for club and country.