Cristiano Ronaldo Takes Center Stage In The Portugal Squad For The March International Fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo Takes Center Stage In The Portugal Squad For The March International Fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the Portugal squad for the national team’s March friendly matches against Sweden and Slovenia, scheduled for March 21 and March 26 respectively. Concerns had arisen regarding the forward’s future with the national team after the 2022 World Cup, but newly appointed head coach Roberto Martinez promptly clarified that Ronaldo remained part of his plans.

At 39 years old, Ronaldo seems set to participate in Euro 2024, aiming to increase his tally of 205 international caps during the upcoming break. Ronaldo has netted 128 goals for Portugal, with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, the second-highest scorer in the current squad, having scored 19 goals.

The squad includes three players who are yet to earn their first caps, with Diogo Leite from Union Berlin, Francisco Conceicao from Porto, and Jota Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes making their debut appearances in the latest selection.

Portugal boss Martinez explained to reporters at a press conference the rationale behind naming a 32-man squad for the friendlies, stating, “It will allow us to gather information to put together a balanced team. These two matches are very good opportunities for the players to show what they can bring to the group.”

Despite his prolific career, Ronaldo isn’t the oldest player in the squad; that distinction belongs to Pepe, who, at 41 years old, continues to exhibit his quality while representing Porto throughout the campaign.