Ronaldo puts country first

Man United star will play anywhere he is told

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 7th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ronaldo puts country first

Ronaldo: On international duty

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Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will play anywhere for his country just so long as he is playing.

Ronaldo has returned to the Portuguese squad for the first time since Euro 2008 as he has now recovered from ankle surgery.

He missed Portugal's opening World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Denmark but is ready for the forthcoming clashes with Sweden and Albania.

Former Manchester United number two Carlos Queiroz is now coach of Portugal and it is the first time the two will have worked together at national level.

"To be honest I have really missed being with the international side, and now we have Carlos Queiroz here," he said.

"Carlos is someone I have worked with for many years and I know him well. I am a fan and love the way he works."

Central role

After defeat to the Danes, Queiroz's side need maximum points from their next two games and that could see Ronaldo played through the middle.

Even though he would rather be out wide, he insists he will play wherever he is told.

"If you have to perform a function, I will do it with all my pride," he said.

"For me it is just a privilege to be in the side."

Ronaldo admits Portugal cannot afford any more slip-ups.

"From here onwards it will be complicated and we cannot lose any more games as we did against Denmark," he said.

"It was a shame that was the result [3-2] in the end as I thought the team played well, but we know it will become increasingly difficult and I just hope we qualify."