Portugal’s 39-year-old ahead Cristiano Ronaldo is about to compete in his sixth European Championship, whereas veteran defender Pepe additionally made the minimize as coach Roberto Martinez introduced his 26-man squad on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who has scored in each European Championship since his debut in 2004, boasts 14 objectives within the finals. He additionally netted 10 instances in European qualifying matches final 12 months.
Currently taking part in for Saudi Pro League facet Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 42 objectives and supplied 13 assists in all competitions.
“Cristiano? It’s better to talk about the data. He’s a player who’s scored 42 goals in 41 games for his club,” Martinez stated. “That shows his continuity and physical ability to always be fit, as well as the quality he has in front of goal, which we really like and need.”
However, Ronaldo is not going to be the oldest member of the squad, with Martinez additionally calling up Porto defender Pepe, who turned 41 this 12 months.
Pepe was an integral a part of Porto’s staff this 12 months, making 38 appearances as they reached the Champions League spherical of 16 and completed third within the league behind Sporting and Benfica. They are additionally within the Cup last.
“Pepe’s role in the dressing room is important, the way he represents the national team shirt. I think that during the training camp, football is a constant struggle,” Martinez added. “And it was interesting to see Pepe play two games in March and keep a clean sheet for the 90 minutes he played. His communication, his positioning mean that, when he’s fit, he’s a very important player.”
Nine gamers from the Premier League have been known as up, together with Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota. Goncalo Inacio is the one Sporting participant within the squad.
Portugal’s squad for Euros
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (PSG)
Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
Source: www.dailysabah.com