Cristiano Ronaldo to Play in Record 6th European Championship for Portugal: Eyeing on the Glory
Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, is set to make history by playing in his sixth European Championship.
Since making his debut at the 2004 Euros, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in all of them. He has 14 goals in the championship game.
Veteran defender Pepe and 39-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal were included in coach Roberto Martinez’s 26-man roster, which was announced on Tuesday. Ronaldo will compete in his sixth European Championship. Since making his debut at the 2004 Euros, Ronaldo has scored in all of them. He has 14 goals in the championship game.
In last year’s European qualifying matches, he also scored ten goals. Currently, Ronaldo is a player for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he has contributed 13 assists and 42 goals throughout all competitions.
“Christiano? It is preferable to discuss the data. Martinez stated, “He’s a guy who has scored 42 goals for his club in 41 games.
“That shows his continuity and physical ability to always be fit, as well as the quality he has in front of goal, which we really like and need.” But Martinez has also called up Porto defender Pepe, who turned 41 this year, so Ronaldo won’t be the oldest player on the team.
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Pepe played a crucial role in helping Porto advance to the round of 16 of the Champions League and place third in the league behind Sporting and Benfica with 38 appearances. They’re in the Cup final as well.
“Pepe plays a significant role in the locker room because of his representation of the national team uniform. Football is, in my opinion, always difficult throughout training camp,” Martinez continued.
“And it was intriguing to watch Pepe play two games in March and finish the ninety minutes of action with a clean sheet. When he’s in shape, his positioning and communication make him a vital player.”
Nine Premier League players, including Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, and Ruben Dias, have been called up. There is just one Sporting player in the team: Goncalo Inacio.
Portugal’s Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (PSG)
Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).
