Cristiano Ronaldo Keeps Place in Portugal Squad for UEFA Nations Games
Despite an ineffective display at Euro 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo has been retained in the Portugal squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations games against Croatia and Scotland. The 39-year-old, who failed to score at the European Championship, retains the backing of coach Roberto Martinez.
In an interview with Portuguese TV this week, Ronaldo expressed his desire to continue playing for the national team, stating, "When I quit the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance… At the moment what I want is to be able to help the Selecao."
Ronaldo has started the new season with four goals in as many games for Saudi side Al-Nassr and is likely to continue to lead the Portugal attack with Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos sidelined by an ankle injury.
The Portugal squad for the upcoming games includes:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Silva (Real Betis/ESP)
Defenders: Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Chelsea/ENG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Tiago Santos (Lille/FRA), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Nelson Semedo (Wolves/ENG)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA)
Forwards: Joao Felix (Chelsea/ENG), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Goncalves (Sporting Lisbon), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Geovany Quenda (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/KSA), Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG)
AFP