“Everyone has their own opinion” - Portugal star responds to Cristiano Ronaldo criticizing players who don’t want to represent national team

Portugal star Nuno Mendes has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism about players who do not want to represent the national team. Players have sometimes skipped out on seemingly unimportant national team matches during the season, in order to rest in preparation of club games.

However, Ronaldo has not taken kindly to this. The November international friendlies and Nations League matches have begun in earnest, with Portugal facing Poland at the Estadio do Dragao on November 15.

The legendary striker revealed his disappointment in players who do not want to represent the Selecao in such games. Speaking after winning the Quinas de Platina award in his homeland on November 11, the 39-year-old said (via Tribuna):

"When I joined the national team at 18, my dream was to win my first international cap. I've now reached 25, 50 and why not 100? And why not 150, 200? It's a huge sense of pride."

"Even after winning so many trophies, there's nothing better than playing for the national team, friends. That's why I'm disappointed with some players who don't want to represent Portugal. Enjoy the national team, it'll go by quickly."

Nuno Mendes responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments in an interview with reporters. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back said (via GOAL):

"Everyone has their own opinion. I can speak for myself, I am very proud to represent Portugal and I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. I will always give my all and I will always be available to be here."

The 22-year-old left-back has made 31 appearances for the Portugal national team, having been called up in 2021 under Fernando Santos. He will be expected to participate alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in their upcoming match against Poland.

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Cristiano Ronaldo shares doubts about reaching 1,000-goal mark

Cristiano Ronaldo recently crossed the 900-goal mark, and ahead of Portugal's looming Nations League games, he sits on 908 goals. This is a record-breaking feat, making him the highest goalscorer in the history of the sport.

It is believed that he could hit the 1000-goal mark before he retires. However, the 39-year-old legend has revealed that time is running out. Speaking after receiving the Quinas de Platina award, he said (via Eurosport):

"I now face my life living in the moment. I can't think long-term anymore. I can no longer think about what I said publicly that I wanted to reach 1,000 goals. But it seems that everything is easy now, just last month I reached 900."

"It's about living in the moment, enjoying the moment, seeing the response that my legs will give me in the next few years. One thousand goals is great, but if it doesn't come, I'm already the player in history with the most goals."

Cristiano Ronaldo has already scored 10 goals in 15 games for club side Al-Nassr this season, and he will look to add more in Portugal's Nations League campaign.