Portugal's national team is set to begin a new chapter following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the squad. According to reports, Rafael Leao has been chosen to wear Ronaldo's iconic No. 7 shirt in the team's upcoming international fixtures. Leao, a forward for AC Milan, will don the famous number when Portugal faces Denmark in Copenhagen on October 1 and Norway on October 4. This development comes after Ronaldo left the national team camp following a turbulent period surrounding his role in the squad.
Ronaldo's departure from the national team camp was confirmed through a statement posted on his Instagram account. He explained that his decision to leave followed a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation after a press conference by coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, also expressed his wishes for Portugal and his teammates to succeed in their future endeavors. His departure has created an immediate change within the Portugal squad, with Leao poised to take on the responsibility associated with one of the most recognizable shirt numbers in international football.
The No. 7 shirt has been strongly identified with Ronaldo throughout his Portugal career, making the decision to hand it to Leao a significant symbolic moment as the national team enters a new era. Leao will now have the opportunity to establish himself in the shirt while Portugal continues their preparations for their upcoming international fixtures. According to Portuguese outlet B24, Leao has been listed as Portugal's No. 7 for the next two games.
Ronaldo's departure from the national team camp came after he remained an unused substitute during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway on Monday. The veteran forward headed directly down the tunnel as his teammates celebrated with supporters after the match. He subsequently missed the team's next training session before leaving the national team camp. Ronaldo's decision to leave the team has sparked a lot of interest and speculation about the future of the Portugal squad.
Leao's takeover of the No. 7 shirt is seen as a significant moment for the young forward, who will now have to live up to the expectations associated with the iconic number. Leao has been a key player for AC Milan in recent seasons and will be looking to make a similar impact for Portugal. The upcoming international fixtures against Denmark and Norway will provide Leao with an opportunity to establish himself in the team and prove his worth.
The news of Leao taking over the No. 7 shirt has been confirmed by various sources, including Fabrizio Romano, a well-known football journalist. According to Romano, UEFA has confirmed that Leao has been listed as Portugal's No. 7 for the next two games. This confirmation puts to rest speculation about Leao's role in the team and provides clarity on the situation.
The upcoming international fixtures will be crucial for Portugal as they look to move forward without Ronaldo. The team's performance in these matches will be closely watched, and Leao's contribution will be a key factor in determining the team's success. With the No. 7 shirt on his back, Leao will have a lot to prove and will be looking to make a positive impact for Portugal.
Key points
- Rafael Leao to wear Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic No. 7 shirt for Portugal in upcoming international fixtures.
- Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team camp following a turbulent period surrounding his role in the squad.
- Leao's takeover of the No. 7 shirt is seen as a significant moment for the young forward.
