Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt has been handed to Rafael Leão following Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic departure from the nationwide group camp.
UEFA’s present participant profile for the Galatasaray winger lists him as Portugal’s No. 7, marking a big change after Ronaldo wore the quantity for nearly twenty years.
The change comes as Portugal put together for his or her UEFA Nations League assembly with Denmark with out Ronaldo.
The 41-year-old ahead left the squad after a number of turbulent days surrounding his function underneath head coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that preparations would proceed with the remaining gamers.
However, the change of blouse quantity doesn’t by itself imply Ronaldo has retired from worldwide soccer.
Ronaldo confirmed his determination to go away the camp however didn’t formally announce the tip of his Portugal profession. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo later reported that his determination to not signify the nationwide group once more was closing and irreversible.
Leão beforehand wore No. 17 for Portugal, together with through the 2026 World Cup, whereas Ronaldo had turn out to be synonymous with the No. 7 shirt.
The newest change is subsequently one of many clearest indicators of a attainable new period for Portugal, though Ronaldo’s worldwide future has not been formally confirmed by the participant.
Leão has additionally begun a brand new chapter at membership degree after becoming a member of Galatasaray from AC Milan on August 30.
The Turkish membership accomplished the switch for a set payment of €38 million and handed the Portuguese winger a four-year contract.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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