Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Portugal coach and teammates after coming off the bench vs Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo says Portugal are gunning for their second Nations League crown after kicking-off the campaign with a comeback draw against Spain on Thursday night. Ronaldo was surprisingly dropped for that Group A2 match and Andre Silva preferred to lead the line.

After slipping behind to an early goal from Alvaro Morata - the former Chelsea striker - Portugal hit back late on to earn a share of the spoils. Ricardo Horta struck on his return to the international stage and his telling moment came when Ronaldo had been welcomed on to the pitch.

Ronaldo, 37, was omitted from the starting line-up by manager Fernando Santos for 'tactical' reasons, but did go on to win his 187th cap. Portugal are set to play Switzerland (twice) and Czech Republic between now and June 12 with one clear target in mind for Ronaldo.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo swaps shirts with Manchester United target Pau Torres

Of course, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and his Portugal teammates won the inaugural Nations League in 2019 - three years after their Euro 2016 success. Already boasting a staggering trophy collection for club and country, that man Ronaldo is demanding at least one more international prize.

Addressing his 448million followers on his Instagram profile, the United striker uploaded an image of him in action at the Estadio Benito Villamarin and added a short caption. It read: "The League of Nations is a competition that will forever be linked to the National Team, the first to win this trophy.

"Our start in this edition, with an important draw in Spain, renews our ambition. The same as always, the same that moves us and unites us at all times; winning for Portugal."

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old