Chico ‘lights up the embers’ on Roberto Martinez’s Euro 2024 squad list

Outside the 26-player list are names such as Pote and Trincao (both from Sporting) or Matheus Nunez (Manchester City) and Ricardo Horta (Braga). Martinez attributed the new national champion’s lack of impact players as one of the most controversial topics in the response to the challenge.

“They had an exceptional season, but they were unlucky because the March camp was important for them,” the Spanish coach said, implying that the list was all but closed at that point. This contradicts the absence of Ricardo Horta, in contrast to Pedro Neto (he has played just over 100 minutes of competition, spread over three games, since the start of March).

“The only player I called was Ricardo Horta because I was sad not to be part of the group. But there are other players that we need for what we want to do with the Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia. [adversários da primeira fase da competição]”, Martinez justified. This also explains the call from 41-year-old Pepe, who has been injured for the past month.

“Pepe plays an important role in the dressing room. It was very interesting to see Pepe in the two private matches we played in March. In total, he played 90 minutes, and during this time Portugal did not concede a single goal. When he’s fit, he’s a very important player for us.”

RONALDO AT THE SIXTH EUROPEAN
The challenge confirms Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth call-up to the European Championship (record). “A player who scores 42 goals in 41 games for his club shows consistency and the physical ability to always be in shape,” Martinez said. CR7 left a message on social networks. He talks about pride and says, “Let’s agree to everything.”

Pedro Neto is crying
“He called me immediately. He couldn’t speak, he was crying, he was very excited,” he told the newspaper.Write downfather of Pedro Neto, Wolverhampton player.

2 June
The Portugal national team for Euro 2024 will gather on June 2 at the Cidade do Futebol stadium in Oeiras. The tournament will begin on June 14 and end on July 14.

Three games in Portugal
In June the team will play three preparatory games, all in Portugal, against Finland (4th at Estadio José Alvalade), Croatia (8th at the National Stadium) and Ireland (11th at Aveiro).

Sporting shocked by lack of players
The absence of Pote and Trincao (especially the latter) in the Euro 2024 squad, as is known, caused a feeling of great bewilderment in the Sporting dressing room. CM.

These two players played a decisive role in winning the title.