Cristiano Ronaldo's right-hand man Ricardo Regufe has made a big announcement regarding the Portugal national team.
Regufe is understood to have been hugely influential in brokering the 38-year-old's blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia, which sees the marksman earn a reported salary of £175 million (R3.9 billion) a year at Al Nassr.
The representative is believed to have taken over from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's long-standing agent Jorge Mendes, who reportedly split with the player in December over differences regarding several issues including Ronaldo's infamous interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan back in November 2022.
Read: Mbappe captaincy 'a lack of respect' to France teammate
Prior to assuming a bigger role in the Real Madrid legend's career recently, Regufe held a position in the Portugal national team's delegation for 20 years and he has now confirmed that he his stepping down from the role ahead of new manager Roberto Martinez's first two games in charge.
"It was a pride and a privilege to have served my country as a member of the national team over two decades," he said, according to The Sun.
"I lived unforgettable moments and made friendships for life. "I saw up close the National Team winning the two major trophies it has won so far and I watched Cristiano Ronaldo become the best player in the world.
"I thank the players, coaches and staff for everything we've experienced together. A new stage begins but the desire to see our National Team win is always the same!"It is reported that his decision comes after speculation over the captaincy of the country, as Pepe was listed as the skipper at the FIFA Best Awards last month, despite Ronaldo having held the armband during former boss Fernando Santos' time in charge.
The new man at the helm is yet to announce who will be captain ahead of Portugal's UEFA European Championship qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.
Read: Ex-Arsenal Man City star Adebayor retires
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: