Cristiano Ronaldo has retained his place in the Portugal squad for next month’s UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland, despite a lackluster performance at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old failed to score in his record sixth European Championship, with Portugal exiting in the quarter-finals. Nonetheless, he continues to have the support of coach Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo stated in a recent Portuguese TV interview, “When I retire from the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance… At the moment, what I want is to help the Selecao.”
The forward has started the new season strongly, scoring four goals in as many games for Saudi side Al-Nassr, and is expected to lead the Portugal attack, especially with Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos out due to an ankle injury.
Despite veteran defender Pepe retiring at 41 earlier this month, Martinez is looking to the future, as evidenced by the call-up of 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Geovany Quenda. New additions to the squad also include Chelsea left-back Renato Veiga and Lille defender Tiago Santos.
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)
