Fabio Coentrao releases official statement asking not to be picked for Portgual’s World Cup squad

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Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao has ruled himself out of contention for the World Cup this summer after asking to be excluded from the Portugal squad.

Coentrao, 30, has not retired from international football, nor has he revealed an unexpected injury problem, but he cited an arduous season on-loan with Sporting Lisbon as the reason for making himself unavailable for selection.

In a heartfelt statement, the left-back declared his devotion to his country, believing he will play many more games for the national side, but just not in Russia this summer.

The 30-year-old has endured a stop-start career since joining Real Madrid from Benfica in 2011, but this season the left-back has featured prominently for Sporting Lisbon and a place in Fernando Santos’ Portugal squad looked likely. That will not be the case anymore, however.

Coentrao wrote on his Facebook page: “Last week, after a lot of consideration, I told the National Team that after a very tiring season, I feel I am not in the condition to represent the Seleção at the World Cup.

“I will never turn my back on my country, and hope to be able to represent our national team more often in the future. Until then I am and I will always be one to cheer on from the outside, see you soon.

“Good luck guys.”

Coentrao has amassed over 50 appearances for his country but was not part of the squad that won the European Championships two years ago in France; Raphael Guerreiro and Eliseu were the left-back choices after the Real Madrid defender missed out with a thigh injury.

But with Eliseu now 34 and Guerreiro just returning from a long-term injury with Borussia Dortmund – while also taking up a role in central midfield – national coach Santos is limited for options in the left-back position.

Napoli’s Mario Rui received his first call-up and cap for Portugal this year, while Inter Milan’s versatile Joao Cancelo could also be a viable option, moving across from his preferred right-back position.

Antunes is the final left-back by trade to be included in Portugal’s provisional World Cup squad.