Cristiano Ronaldo has been named within the newest Portugal squad by new coach Roberto Martinez for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The Portugal captain has been included within the 26-man squad for the video games in opposition to Liechtenstein on March 23 and Luxembourg three days later.
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Martinez has pointed in direction of continuity with all however two gamers within the squad having competed on the World Cup in Qatar final yr.
Ronaldo was dropped to the bench by Martinez’ predecessor, Fernando Santos, for the ultimate two video games of the World Cup and in addition failed to search out the web within the knockout phases as Portugal have been eradicated by Morocco within the quarterfinals of the match.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who is very committed to the national team,” Martinez stated. “A player like Cristiano brings experience, he is an important figure in the team. I don’t look at age or other aspects. I think Cristiano has an opportunity to help the team and transmit the experience of his career to the other players.
“This step is vital for the gamers who’re right here. We need to make a successful group, a aggressive group.”
Ronaldo has contributed eight goals and two assists in seven league appearances since joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr as a free agent in December after terminating his contract with Manchester United by mutual consent.
Ronaldo, who has played for the national team since 2003, will join the squad having failed to score in his last three appearances with Al Nassr.
Asked if he considered leaving out Ronaldo and veteran FC Porto defender Pepe from the squad to provide approach to the kids, Martinez stated: “No. This name up is for the video games in opposition to Luxembourg and Liechtenstein. It is vital to know that our squad has children who can study from the extra skilled ones. I do not assume age is a crucial issue in the intervening time.”
Martinez, who coached Belgium at the World Cup before leaving his post, is excited about this new chapter.
“I need to construct a group that reveals the qualities of the gamers Portugal has,” Martinez said. “This can be a place to begin. I see high quality, expertise, youth, gamers that play at residence and in addition overseas. I’ve seen a number of dedication from all of them for the nationwide group.”
Liverpool ahead Diogo Jota, who missed the World Cup as a result of damage, has returned to the squad and can compete for enjoying time with Joao Felix, who has scored one aim in six Premier League appearances since becoming a member of Chelsea on mortgage from Atletico Madrid in January.
Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton), Rui Patricio (AS Roma).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Man United), Joao Cancelo (Bayern), Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (FC Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester Metropolis), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Diogo Leite (Union Berlin) and Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund).
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton), Bernardo Silva (Man Metropolis), Bruno Fernandes (Man United), Joao Mario (Benfica), Otavio Monteiro (FC Porto) and Vitinha (PSG).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Goncalo Ramos (Benfica), Joao Felix (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (Milan) and Diogo Jota (Liverpool).