Cristiano Ronaldo Named In First Portugal Squad Picked By New Manager Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez has included Cristiano Ronaldo in his first squad as Portugal manager.

Martinez, who was appointed to replace Fernando Santos in January, named a 26-man party on Friday for this month's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.

Ronaldo, 38, is the second oldest member of the squad, after former Real Madrid teammate Pepe.

Martinez told reporters that Ronaldo "is very important for the team", adding: "I do not look at the age".

Ronaldo is Portugal's most-capped male footballer of all-time, having played for his country 196 times.

He holds the world record for most men's international goals, with 118.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored eight goals against Luxembourg so far in his international career

IMAGO/HMB-Media/Ferreira

But Ronaldo was dropped to the bench by former manager Santos for both of Portugal's knockout games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

After the tournament, Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr and has scored eight goals in his first nine games for the Saudi club.

SEE MORE: Watch Every Cristiano Ronaldo Goal For Al Nassr In 2022/23 Saudi Pro League Season

Portugal's 26-man squad for games against Liechtenstein on March 23 and Luxembourg on March 26.

Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (Bayern Munich), Danilo Pereira (PSG) Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Diogo Leite (Union Berlin), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Ruben Neves (Wolves) Matheus Nunes (Wolves), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (Benfica), Otavio Monteiro (Porto), Vitinha (PSG)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Goncalo Ramos (Benfica), Joao Felix (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (Milan), Diogo Jota (Liverpool)