“It makes no sense” - Ex-Liverpool star claims Cristiano Ronaldo forced his way into Portugal XI vs Georgia for personal record 

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison has said that Cristiano Ronaldo has forcibly inserted himself into Portugal's lineup against Georgia. The pundit claimed that the 39-year-old's decision to feature in the game was motivated by chasing personal records.

Hutchison said (via Football Extraaa on the Sony Sports Network):

“I get the feeling that Roberto Martinez has had a one-way conversation, and Ronaldo said, ‘I’m playing’.

“It makes no sense to me, apart from if you’re chasing personal records. Pepe has been rested. Ronaldo is nearly 40, makes sense to me (in resting him), especially since you’ve qualified. The most important game is the game after (the one against Georgia).”

The Al-Nassr superstar's inclusion comes as a bit of a surprise, considering that manager Roberto Martinez has opted to heavily rotate the remainder of the team. The Selecao have secured qualification to the knockouts and are guaranteed to finish as Group F winners despite the result against Georgia.

Ronaldo has had a decent Euro 2024 campaign. While he hasn't found the back of the net, he has put in two solid outings, bagging an assist in the 3-0 win over Turkey with a selfless pass to Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal will play one of the four best third-placed teams in the Round of 16, which could be one of Hungary and Slovenia. A potential clash against France or Belgium awaits in the quarterfinals.

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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo sets milestone by starting against Georgia in Euro 2024

It is set to be his 50th appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo is making his 50th appearance in major tournaments after being named in the starting lineup for Portugal's final Group F clash against Georgia in Gelsenkirchen. He's the first European player to do so.

With 22 World Cup appearances, he will feature in his 28th Euro game, bringing his tally to 50. This is the Al-Nassr striker's sixth Euro appearance, having made his debut way back in 2004. He has 14 goals and eight assists in the tournament, winning the title in 2016. He has also played in five World Cups, starting from the 2006 edition.

Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his legacy as one of the sport's greatest. In 209 appearances for Portugal he has scored 130 goals, both of which are the highest-tallies in men's international football.