Berlin [Germany], May 20: Cristiano Ronaldo was included in Portugal's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and is set to make a record sixth appearance at the tournament. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez announced his squad during a news conference on Tuesday.
Ronaldo and Argentina top star Lionel Messi are bidding to become the only players to participate in six World Cups. Currently they share the record of five with Germany icon Lothar Matthaus.
Title holders Argentina are yet to announced their final squad, but Messi was included in the preliminary list.
In addition to Ronaldo, Martínez selected two other players who are under contract with clubs in Saudi Arabia: Ronaldo's Al Nassr team-mate Joao Felix and Al Hilal's Ruben Neves.
From Champions League defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos have been included. Up front, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Bernardo Silva of crosstown rivals Manchester City are expected to set the pace.
Martinez named the squad of "27 players plus one", a reference to former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last July.
"He is our strength, our joy," said Martinez.
"Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo's dream and for the example he always set in our national team.
"Diogo Jota's spirit, strength and example are the plus one and will always be the plus one." Portugal are in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. The World Cup beings on June 11.
Portugal are in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. The World Cup beings on June 11.
Source: Qatar Tribune
