Aursnes joins big names after decision, including a Benfica star | OneFootball

The return of Fredrik Aursnes to availability for representing the Norwegian national team fits into a reality already well-known in international football, with several examples of players who, after a period of absence, decided to wear their national team’s shirt again.

In the context of Benfica, one of the closest examples is Tiago Mendes, former midfielder for Benfica. After the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Tiago stepped away from the National Team, but ended up returning in 2014, already with Fernando Santos as head coach. The reunion resulted in eight more international caps, in a journey marked by consistency and experience in service of the Portuguese team.

Even more high-profile was the case of Luís Figo. The former winger announced his retirement from the National Team after Euro 2004, held in Portugal, but later reversed his decision and joined the 2006 World Cup campaign in Germany, where Portugal finished in 4th place. The former Ballon d'Or winner ended his international career for good after that tournament, with 127 appearances for the senior national team.

Outside of Portugal, the example of Lionel Messi is frequently cited. The Argentine announced his departure from the national team in 2016, after the defeat in the Copa América final, but returned a few weeks later. That decision would prove crucial, leading to the conquest of a World Cup, two Copa Américas, and a Finalissima.

It is worth recalling that Fredrik Aursnes recently explained that his decision in 2024 was linked to physical and mental fatigue, but he has now admitted that he once again feels able to compete at the highest level, with the goal of being present at the 2026 World Cup. This tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.