AC Milan’s Portuguese winger Rafael Leao is open to the idea of playing as a center-forward for the national team, a spot usually occupied by national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking ahead of their Nations League double-header against Poland and Croatia, Leao said (via Ojogo):
“It’s a position I know. I have no problem playing if the coach puts me in. What I want is to represent the national team in the best way possible, whether as a winger or a striker.”
The AC Milan winger has registered three goals and five assists in 14 games for the Rossoneri this season, with Cristiano Ronaldo on 10 goals and three assists in 15 games for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
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Ronaldo, 39, is now in the twilight of his career. Having represented the country for over 21 years, the Navogadores might soon have to look for a new frontman to lead the line.
Portugal currently leads Group A1 with 10 points from four games. They are followed by Croatia on seven points, Poland on four and, Scotland on just one.
Cristiano Ronaldo comments on wanting to reach 1000-goal landmark
Perhaps the most decorated goal scorer in the history of the sport, Cristiano Ronaldo recently spoke about his dream of reaching the 1000-goal landmark. After being awarded the Platinum Quinas trophy by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Ronaldo said (via talkSPORT):
“I now face my life as living in the moment. I can’t think long-term anymore. I said publicly that I wanted to reach 1,000 goals, but it seems that now everything is easy, just last month I reached 900.”
He continued:
“It’s about living in the moment, seeing how my legs will respond in the next few years. If I reach 1,000 goals, that’s fine, but if I don’t, I’m already the player with the most goals in history.”
Ronaldo will turn 40 on February 5, 1985, and fans will be eager to see if he is still involved with the Portugal national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
