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 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.

Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward, is conspicuously absent from the squad due to an injury, while Pedro Neto, who has been enjoying an outstanding season with Wolverhampton Wanderers, was also unavailable for selection due to a hamstring problem.

Portugal’s schedule includes five friendlies against Sweden, Slovenia, Finland, Croatia, and the Republic of Ireland before they kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18th.

Although the Iberian nation clinched the European Championship in 2016, their journey in the 2020 tournament was halted in the round of 16 by Belgium.

Full Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio, Diogo Costa, Jose Sa

Defenders: Pepe, Danilo, Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Nelson Semedo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Mario, Toti Gomes, Diogo Leite

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Otavio, Vitinha, Matheus Nunes, Joao Neves

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Bruma, Goncalo Ramos, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Jota Silva

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