LISBON, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo was left off Portugal’s national team squad for a pair of upcoming matches, the decision coming Thursday as the soccer great fights a rape allegation in the United States. Ronaldo was left off the squad for Portugal’s second game in the UEFA Nations League at Poland on Oct. 11 and a friendly match in Glasgow against Scotland three days later. Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Ronaldo also will not be called up for the next round of international games in November. Ronaldo, who is nearing the end of his playing career, is a national hero in Portugal and the country’s best-known celebrity. He is the country’s most experienced player with 154 national team appearances, and its all-time highest scorer with 85 goals.

Source: National Post October 04, 2018 11:34 UTC