LISBON: 39-year-old Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo will make his sixth appearance at the Euros while defender Pepe is also on the 26-man list under Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo, who has scored in every Euro edition since his first appearance in 2004, already has a collection of 14 goals in the tournament.
In fact, he also has a record of 10 goals in the qualifying campaign that took place last year.
“Cristiano? It’s better to talk to the data. He’s a player who scored 42 goals in 41 games with his club,” Martinez said of Ronaldo, who now joins Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
“That shows his physicality and his ability to stay fit, including the quality he displays in front of goal… something we really like and need.”
However, in the list announced by Martinez, Ronaldo is not the most veteran player listed since Porto’s defender, Pepe, who is 41 years old, will also take on team duties.
“Pepe’s role in the dressing room is very important, the way he values the national team jersey. I think about it during the training camp, football is a constant struggle,” said Martinez.
Nine players from the English Premier League are also listed including Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota.