Following his second stint at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo claims he has undergone a “bad phase” in his career and is now a better man.

As a result, his contract was eventually dissolved by mutual consent, and he joined Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian football team.

“Before Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Liechtenstein, I have no problem admitting I had a bad phase of my career, but there’s no time for regrets,” he said at a press conference.

“Whether I did well or not, life continues on and it contributed to my development. Often, when we are at the summit of a mountain, we are unable to see below.

“Now that I’ve gone through this, as in the past several months, I’m more prepared and have learned that it was crucial. I’m a better man now.”

After the World Cup in Qatar, there had been rumors that the 38-year-old would retire from international competition, but he now has hope for the future thanks to the appointment of Roberto Martinez as head coach.

“We’re all in a different chapter right now. The most crucial thing is that the energies are positive and good,” he continued.

“There’s fresh air now, different ideas and mentality.”

To allay any doubts about his future with his country after the 2022 World Cup, Martinez included the 38-year-old in his initial roster for the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Ronaldo was benched by former manager Fernando Santos during the Qatari knockout round, and many wondered if the forward would ever play for his country again as he sobbed as he left the field following Portugal’s quarterfinal loss to Morocco.

However, Ronaldo seems to be benefiting from Martinez’s arrival, as he now has the opportunity to add to his impressive total of 118 goals for his country. “He is crucial to the team’s success. “I don’t consider age a factor,” Martinez declared last week.

Of course, there is now a different discussion over Ronaldo’s role as a result of his involvement. Will Martinez start him in the starting lineup again, or will he use him as Santos did in his final two games from the bench? Does that imply that he will continue to wear the captain’s armband?

In any case, Ronaldo will add another incredible accomplishment to his impressive resume if he plays against Luxembourg three days later or Liechtenstein on Thursday. He will also shatter yet another FIFA record. After one more game, he will have earned his 197th cap for Portugal, surpassing Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait, who is now ranked #1 on the list.

Ronaldo won the first Nations League in 2019 and led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, but he will undoubtedly think he can still accomplish more on the global scene. At least the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been given the opportunity to show it as Martinez ushers in a new era for Portugal.