Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected to play at a record sixth European Championship for Portugal this summer. This announcement was made by coach Roberto Martinez, who included Ronaldo in the 26-man squad for the tournament in Germany. This achievement marks a milestone in Ronaldo’s career, as he now holds the record for the most appearances in the European Championships.
Apart from Ronaldo, the squad also includes other notable players such as Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias from Manchester City, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot from Manchester United, and veteran defender Pepe from FC Porto. The mix of experienced players like Pepe and talented youngsters like João Félix and João Neves creates a well-rounded team for Portugal.
Martinez praised Ronaldo for his exceptional performance on the field, highlighting his scoring record of 42 goals in 42 games for his club. He also commended Ronaldo’s physical fitness and goal-scoring ability, emphasizing the importance of having such a player in the squad. Additionally, Martinez acknowledged the role of Pepe in the team, both on and off the field, as a senior player with valuable experience.
The squad also includes some new faces such as Vitinha from Paris Saint-Germain and João Félix from Barcelona. João Neves, who has been in excellent form throughout the season, has also earned a spot in the squad based on his impressive performances in the Primeira Liga. Gonçalo Inacio, representing Sporting CP, adds a fresh perspective to the team as the only player from the Portuguese champions.
Despite the strong lineup, some players like Toti from Wolves and Matheus Nunes from Manchester City were left out of the squad. Martinez explained that their exclusion was based on various factors including their current level of performance, playing time, and role within the national team. However, he expressed confidence in their potential for future inclusion in the team.
As the previous champions of the 2016 European Championship, Portugal will face Czechia, Turkey, and debutants Georgia in Group F of the tournament. The team is expected to put up a strong performance with Ronaldo leading the attack and a balanced mix of experienced and young players in the squad.
The inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad signifies a significant milestone in his career and adds depth and experience to the team. With a talented lineup and a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, Portugal is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming European Championship.
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