Portugal national team has announced its squad for the upcoming 2024 UEFA Euro qualifiers
Former European champion Portugal, which leads Group J in qualifying for the finals in Germany next year, will face Slovakia before hosting Luxembourg.
Cristiano Ronaldo was chosen to Portugal’s team for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg on Friday.
Portugal will play Slovakia in Bratislava on Friday, followed by a game against Luxembourg three days later.
“A player with 200 appearances, that’s something unique,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez of Ronaldo, who has scored five goals in four qualifying games so far.
“I can tell you I’m very happy to have Cristiano Ronaldo in my team.”
Ronaldo, 38, who now plays in Saudi Arabia, scored the winner in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Iceland in June.
Martinez has called up uncapped Wolves full-back Toti, as well as Saudi-based midfielders Otavio and Ruben Neves.
Portugal Squad (2024 Euro Qualifiers)
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto/POR), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Patricio (Roma/ITA)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Wolves/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City/ENG), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Toti (Wolves/ENG).
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Otavio (Al-Nassr/KSA), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)
Forwards: Ricardo Horta (Braga), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/KSA), Pedro Neto (Wolves/ENG), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG)
Cristiano Ronaldo made his 200th senior appearance for his country during the previous international break. The Portugal captain, on the other hand, admitted that he is still apprehensive when playing for his country.
Ronaldo is the most decorated male player in international competition. He not only has the most appearances, but he also has the most goals in men’s international football, with 123 strikes.
During the previous international break, Ronaldo spoke (through Record Portugal) on playing for his country: “I’m always nervous in the national team. With the anthem, I’m always nervous, it’s good. It’s a sign of responsibility, pride, motivation, representing the national team is the height of the career.
“Representing family, parents, friends…If I hope to do more. Obviously, that’s why I’m here. That’s why I keep on walking.”
Ronaldo led his team to international glory in France at Euro 2016. He appears to be on track to lead his country to qualification for the 2024 event, his sixth appearance in a row. Fans will be watching Roberto Martinez’s team closely in the upcoming qualifying games.
