The Manchester United striker, 37, has not been first alternative for his membership this season however might be a part of his nation’s bid to win the event for the first time of their historical past.
FILE: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates a aim throughout the Uefa Nations League match in opposition to Switzerland on 5 May 2022. Picture: @EURO2024/Twitter
OEIRAS, PORTUGAL – Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal into the World Cup after Fernando Santos named the veteran ahead in his 26-man squad on Thursday.
The Manchester United striker, 37, has not been first alternative for his membership this season however might be a part of his nation’s bid to win the event for the first time of their historical past.
Ronaldo, the captain and all-time main scorer in males’s worldwide soccer with 117 targets, has loads of youthful team-mates in assist in assault, together with Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
“All the players I have called up come with the hunger to win and make Portugal world champions, Ronaldo included,” mentioned Santos.
Ronaldo will go to his fifth World Cup, having performed for his nation in each version of the event from 2006 onwards.
The coach, who led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory in France, left Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches out of the squad, bringing Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes as a substitute.
“What is most important are the players who will go to the World Cup,” mentioned Santos, refusing to debate gamers who did not make the reduce.
“The 26 (selected) think that justice has been done, and those who don’t go, the opposite.”
Santos referred to as up uncapped Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, 19, in addition to 39-year-old Pepe.
The Porto defender has not performed since October 4 due to a knee sprain however might be match for the event in Qatar, which begins on November 20.
“I asked my medical department if there were any unfit players, the answer was no,” mentioned Santos when requested about Pepe.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota misses out due to a calf harm.
Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho, 36, who has appeared for his nation 146 occasions, greater than every other participant other than Ronaldo, was not included, and nor was his team-mate Goncalo Guedes.
Portugal open their World Cup marketing campaign in Group H in opposition to Ghana on November 24, earlier than going through Uruguay on November 28 and South Korea on December 2.
Santos was important of the timing of the event, the first ever winter World Cup, however was glad in regards to the lack of journey concerned on the event, with all of the stadiums comparatively shut collectively.
“It’s not good for clubs, it’s not good for anyone,” mentioned Santos.
“The exception is that it’s good for travel. I’ve participated in several World Cups and travelling between games was difficult.
“In this side, there’s a bonus. No stadium is greater than 25 minutes away. We do not need to stroll round carrying every part. It will not put on us down, the sport ends and we return to the resort.”
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patricio (Roma/ITA), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton/ENG)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City/ENG), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund/GER)
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton/ENG), Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), William Carvalho (Real Betis/ESP), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Otavio (Porto), Joao Mario (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)
Forwards: Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Goncalo Ramos (Benfica), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/ENG), Andre Silva (RB Leipzig/GER)