Ronaldo leads Portugal squad for Euros, Pepe joins as veteran leader

Veteran defender Pepe and 39-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal were included in coach Roberto Martinez's 26-man roster, which was announced on Tuesday. Ronaldo will compete in his sixth European Championship.

Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in the finals and has scored in every Euro since making his debut in 2004. In last year's European qualifying matches, he also scored ten goals.

Ronaldo is now a player for Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League, where he has contributed 13 assists and 42 goals throughout all competitions.

"Christiano? It is preferable to discuss the data. Martinez stated, "He's a guy who has scored 42 goals for his club in 41 games. "It demonstrates his consistency and physical aptitude for maintaining fitness, along with his goal-oriented nature, which we greatly appreciate and require."

But Martinez has also called up Porto defender Pepe, who turned 41 this year, so Ronaldo won't be the oldest player on the team.

Pepe was a key member of Porto's squad this season, playing in 38 games as they finished third in the league behind Sporting and Benfica and advanced to the Champions League round of 16.

"Pepe's representation of the national team shirt in the dressing room is important," Martinez continued.

It was also intriguing to watch Pepe play two games in March and finish the ninety minutes of action with a clean sheet. Because of his positioning and communication skills, he can be a very valuable player when healthy.

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