Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the most-capped men's international player of all time in Portugal's Euro 2024 qualification fixture against Liechtenstein on Thursday night.

The 38-year-old's future at international level was in doubt following the 2022 World Cup, with the forward leaving Manchester United towards the end of last year before joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Fernando Santos has since departed as Portugal head coach, with Roberto Martinez now at the helm, but Ronaldo was named in the national team's first squad since the World Cup.

Ronaldo is not expected to be in the starting XI against Liechtenstein, but he is likely to be involved at some stage, which would make him the most-capped men's international footballer of all time.

The Portuguese moved level with Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa on 196 caps when he featured in Portugal's final game of the recent World Cup against Morocco, which the European nation lost 1-0.

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Should Ronaldo play against Liechtenstein on Thursday, he will move out on his own with 197 caps.

The forward is already the highest men's goalscorer in the history of international football with 118, while he holds a host of other records, including most Champions League goals (140), most Champions League appearances (183) and most European Championship and World Cup final goals combined (22).

Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV at the end of last year, where he was highly critical of Man United, led to his contract being terminated at Old Trafford.

The striker was believed to be keen to secure a move to another European club, but he ultimately joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr, and he has represented the club on 10 occasions, scoring nine times.

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On Wednesday, during a Portugal press conference, Ronaldo spoke publicly for the first time about his recent departure from Man United.

"Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side," Ronaldo told reporters. "I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there's no time for regrets.

"Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth. When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.

"Now, I'm more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I'm a better man."

Meanwhile, he added:" Records are my motivation. I want to become the most-capped player in history. That would make me proud. But it doesn't stop there. I still want to be called up very often."

Portugal will welcome Liechtenstein before travelling to Luxembourg three days later, with Martinez looking to get his reign as head coach off to the best possible start.

Written by
Matt Law