LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s squad for next month’s UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland, despite a lackluster performance at Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old forward, who did not score during his record sixth European Championship appearance, remains a key figure under coach Roberto Martinez.
In a recent interview with Portuguese TV, Ronaldo emphasized his commitment to the national team: “When I retire from the national team, I won’t announce it in advance… For now, I want to help the Selecao.”
Ronaldo has started the new season strongly, scoring four goals in as many games for Saudi club Al-Nassr. With Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos sidelined due to an ankle injury, Ronaldo is expected to continue leading Portugal’s attack.
The squad also sees some changes as veteran defender Pepe, who recently retired at 41, is replaced by younger talent. Among the new additions are 17-year-old Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon, Chelsea left-back Renato Veiga, and Lille defender Tiago Santos. Portugal will face Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8 in Lisbon.
Squad:
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)
