Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus star returns for Portugal for first time since World Cup

The 34-year-old has not featured since Russia 2018 but is back for the European qualifiers against Ukraine and Serbia

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the Portugal national team for the first time since last year's World Cup.

Head coach Fernando Santos has called on the Juventus star for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Ukraine and Serbia, insisting he is the best player in the world right now.

"Cristiano is the best player in the world who returns to his team," Santos said. "Any team gets stronger."

It will be the first time the 34-year-old has featured for the European champions since the World Cup, as well as the first international appearance since he was accused of rape in the United States - an allegation he denies.

Ronaldo is fresh from inspiring the Bianconeri in the Champions League, with a hat-trick guiding them past Atletico Madrid 3-2 on aggragate after losing the first leg 2-0.

Ronaldo is Europe's leading international scorer with 85 goals for Portugal. He is also Portugal's most experienced player with 154 appearances.

Ukraine are first up for the Selecao on March 22 with Serbia on March 25 in Lisbon.

Full Portugal squad

Beto, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio

Joao Cancelo, Jose Fonte, Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Mario Rui, Raphael Guerreiro

Danilo Pereira, Ruben Neves, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Mario, Joao Moutinho, Pizzi

Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Guedes, Rafa, Andre Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Dyego Sousa, Joao Felix