A Portugal star has surprisingly claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is past his peak despite being a regular for the national side.
The Al Nassr star has not been included in the squad to face Sweden on Thursday as they continue preparations for the 2024 European Championship in June.
Ronaldo and seven other players are expected to rejoin the team for the international friendly on Monday against Slovenia.
Read: Mosimane on to Cristiano Ronaldo target
Joao Cancelo, who will also miss the Sweden games, claims the 2016 European champions do not depend on the 39-year-old as much.
"He is an important player and spent 15 years competing with Messi for the Ballon d’Or, but the peak of a footballer’s career is between the ages of 25 and 32," Cancelo told RTP.
"He is an important player for us, but the national team does not depend entirely on him.”
The five-time Ballon d'Or remains a key figure for both Al Nassr and the national side despite his age.
Ronaldo has netted 23 goals in 22 games for the Saudi Pro League side, while he netted 10 goals in the European Championship qualifiers.
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