'Exemplary' Pepe returns to Portugal squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers

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Defender Pepe and midfielder Matheus Nunes return to the Portugal squad, named on Friday for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Iceland next week.

1 year ago
Cristiano Ronaldo also features in the Portuguese side that booked their place at the championships when they beat Slovakia 3-2 in October.
With coach Roberto Martinez now able to use the final two matches as preparation ahead of the tournament in Germany next summer, Pepe returns after a spell out with injury. "The objective for him and for us is to be fit for these matches," Martinez told a press conference.
The 40-year-old, who made his international debut back in 2007, "is an exemplary professional" with "a great deal of experience", said Martinez. The 26-man squad also features the return of Sporting Braga striker Bruma.
"He's a player we've been following since January. He made a lot of progress last season. He's a player we've been following since January," said Roberto Martinez.
With eight points, Portugal lead the Group J standings. The Portuguese team will travel to Vaduz to take on Liechtenstein on November 16, before returning to Lisbon to play Iceland on November 19 at the Alvalade stadium.
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers/ENG), Rui Patricio (AS Roma/ITA)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Barcelone/ESP), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Pepe (Porto), Toti Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers/ENG)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Joao Neves (Benfica), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Otavio Monteiro (Al-Nassr/KSA), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)
Forwards: Ricardo Horta (Braga), Bruma (Braga) Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Joao Felix (Barcelone/ESP), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr/KSA), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG)

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