On Friday, Cristiano Ronaldo’s name was announced in Portugal’s squad for the imminent Euro 2024 qualification matches against Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Portugal, the former European champions, currently leads Group J in the qualification process for the upcoming finals in Germany. They are scheduled to play Slovakia in Bratislava next Friday and then host Luxembourg three days later.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, expressed admiration for Ronaldo, stating, “A player with 200 appearances, that’s truly exceptional.” Ronaldo has already netted five goals in four qualifying games.
“I can tell you I’m very happy to have Cristiano Ronaldo in my team.”
The 38-year-old Ronaldo, who now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, celebrated his 200th international appearance with the winner in a 1-0 victory over Iceland last time out for Portugal in June.
Martinez also included Saudi-based midfielders Otavio and Ruben Neves in his squad and called up uncapped Wolves full-back Toti.
Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto/POR), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Patricio (Roma/ITA)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Wolves/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City/ENG), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Toti (Wolves/ENG).
Midfielders (6): Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Otavio (Al-Nassr/KSA), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)
Forwards (7): Ricardo Horta (Braga), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/KSA), Pedro Neto (Wolves/ENG), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG)
