Cristiano Ronaldo Set For Record-breaking Euro Championship Appearance – News18

Cristiano Ronaldo is all set to feature in his record-sixth European Championship scheduled to be held later this year in Germany.

Ronaldo was named in Portugal squad which comprises 26 members. He had previously held the record of five European Championships jointly with his former Real Madrid teammate and legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The Al Nassr superstar led his national team to Euro title in 2016.

Ronaldo is currently the all-time highest international goal-scorer in men’s competitions with 128 strikes to his name.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid goal-scorer had taken part in his first-ever Euros back in 2004. The Portuguese football team had reached the final back then but had to be content with the runners-up spot back then having suffered a 1-0 defeat to Greece in the summit clash.

“Regarding Cristiano, it’s better to talk about the data. He is a player who scores 42 goals in 42 games for his club, and this shows his continuity and physical ability to always be fit, in addition to the quality he has in front of goal that we really like and need,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez Martinez said on Tuesday.

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Portugal’s Euro squad also features 41-year-old defender Pepe. The ex-Real Madrid centre-back is the oldest player present in the squad.

“Pepe’s role in the locker room is important, the way he represents the national team shirt. When he is fit, he is a very important player. We have a very interesting dressing room because we have players from different generations,” Martinez said.

“We have a good mix of experience and youngsters. It’s a list of 26 players that will give a good response,” he added.

Portugal will participate in three warm-up matches next month against teams like Finland, Croatia and Ireland. They will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign with a game against Czechia in Group F on June 18 before facing Turkey and debutants Georgia in the first stage of the competition.

Portugal squad for Euro 2024

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Patrício

Defenders: Antonio Silva, Danilo Pereira, Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Nelson Semedo, Nuno Mendes, Pepe, Ruben Dias

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Vitinha

Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Gonçalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao