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Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the Portugal team for their March friendlies against Slovenia and Sweden, which are scheduled for March 21 and 26, respectively.
After the 2022 World Cup, there had been uncertainty over the forward’s future with his country, but new head coach Roberto Martinez quickly stated that Ronaldo was part of his plans.
Ronaldo, who is 39 years old, looks like he will play in Euro 2024 and will be trying to add more caps to his total of 205 during the next international break.
With 128 goals for Portugal, Ronaldo leads all current squad goal scorers, with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes coming in second with 19.
Three players without international experience are included in the squad: Jota Silva of Vitoria de Guimaraes, Francisco Conceicao of Porto, and Diogo Leite of Union Berlin were included in the most recent selection.
When asked about selecting a 32-man squad for the friendly, Portugal manager Martinez responded, “It will allow us to gather information to put together a balanced team,” to reporters at a press conference.
“These two matches are very good opportunities for the players to show what they can bring to the group.”
Pepe, who is 41 years old, is included in the roster despite Ronaldo being the oldest player. Pepe has proven his worth to Porto repeatedly this season.
Diogo Jota, an attacker for Liverpool, is conspicuously missing from the game because of an injury.
Martinez was also unable to choose Pedro Neto, who has been playing well for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2023–24 season, because of a hamstring problem.
Before facing the Czech Republic on June 18, Portugal will play five friendlies against Sweden, Slovenia, Finland, Croatia, and the Republic of Ireland.
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Although the Iberian nation emerged victorious in the 2016 European Championship, Belgium eliminated them in the round of 16 of the 2020 competition.
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
