Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, could make history at this year’s World Cup, after he was named in the squad.
Ronaldo would be making a record sixth appearance at the tournament.
Head coach Roberto Martinez also confirmed several notable omissions from his final selection.
Martinez defended the selection of the long-time national team leader, stressing that Ronaldo’s contribution goes far beyond reputation.
Speaking at the press conference, Martinez outlined why Ronaldo remains central to his plans for the national side. Martinez also emphasised the leadership role the captain continues to play in the squad.
“I hope it will be the same role he’s had in the last three years that I’ve been with the national team,” Martinez explained. “I’ve talked a lot about Cristiano. When we talk about him, there are two players. The icon of world football, about whom all the fans in the world have an opinion and accept what he brings to football, and then there’s our captain.”
“He has the same demands as the other players, a competitiveness to be in the national team. For me, he’s an exemplary captain. He was very important in winning the Nations League and now we want the same level of responsibility and example within the locker room.”
