Ronaldo to play in the sixth European Championship

Portugal's 39-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo will compete in his sixth European Championship, and veteran defender Pepe was named to coach Roberto Martinez's 26-man squad on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, who has scored in every Euro since his debut in 2004, has 14 goals in the finals. He also scored ten goals in European qualifying matches last year.

Ronaldo now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, where he has 42 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.

"Cristiano? It's better to talk about the data. He's a player who's scored 42 goals in 41 games for his club," Martinez said.

"That shows his continuity and physical ability to always be fit, as well as the quality he has in front of goal, which we really like and need."

However, Ronaldo will not be the oldest member of the squad, as Martinez has also called up Porto defender Pepe, who turns 41 this year.

Pepe was a key member of Porto's team this season, making 38 appearances as they advanced to the Champions League round of 16 and finished third in the league behind Sporting and Benfica. They're also in the Cup Final.

"Pepe's role in the dressing room is important, the way he represents the national team shirt. I think that during the training camp, football is a constant struggle," Martinez added.

"And it was interesting to see Pepe play two games in March and keep a clean sheet for the 90 minutes he played. His communication, his positioning mean that, when he's fit, he's a very important player."

Nine Premier League players have been called up, including Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota. Goncalo Inacio is the only Sporting player on the roster.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)

Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (PSG)

Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).

SportsLigue