"If anyone deserves to play, it's me" - Portugal star makes emphatic claim on spot in starting XI ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's return

Gonçalo Ramos has claimed he deserves to start for Portugal, even with Cristiano Ronaldo set to return for the November Nations League double-header.

The 25-year-old AC Milan striker started the last three games of Portugal's last international camp in Ronaldo's absence and scored in each, as Jorge Jesus's side won all four Group A4 matches to reach the quarter-finals.

And Ramos believes that if anyone deserves to play for Portugal, it is him due to his performances. He made the claim on Canal 11's “Soltinhos pelo Mundo”, aired in two parts on 27 and 28 October.

“I want to be a starter for the national team. I've made it clear that if anyone deserves to play, it's me. The coach and the entire country can see that.”

Ramos was careful not to make it a contest with Cristiano Ronaldo though. He argued the pair can share the forward line, citing the Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovakia in October 2023, when both started and Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-2 win.

He added:

“We respect Cristiano's status, but I think we could play together more often. My good form and goals could be rewarded without dropping Cristiano.”

Ramos also pointed to how he has been overlooked in the last two major tournaments with Portugal, despite producing good performances in limited opportunities. He concluded:

“I have no resentment towards Roberto Martínez, but I lost Euro 2024. I only played 15 minutes against Georgia in a game that meant nothing.

"At the 2026 World Cup, I scored against Croatia but barely played after that. I know I could have helped a lot. I missed two major tournaments that will never come back.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal's provisional squad to face Denmark in Braga on November 14 and Wales in Cardiff on November 17. The final squad is set to be announced on November 6.

The 41-year-old striker's 30-day FPF suspension for leaving the camp in September, plus a €255 fine, expired on October 30.

How is Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr form ahead of Portugal return?

Ronaldo has eight goals in 10 Saudi Pro League appearances for Al-Nassr this season. The star forward has been in impressive form since his decision to walk out of the Portugal team in September.

Upon returning to Al-Nassr after the incident, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in four out of five games for the Saudi Pro League giants. He also bagged a hat-trick in his most recent outing against Al Kholood as Al-Nassr secured a 5-3 win.

Al-Nassr sit third on the table and trail leaders Al-Hilal by two points.