Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo did not make the cut for Portugal’s 23-man squad to face Russia and Luxembourg in their upcoming friendlies.
Ronaldo did not play the final match of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Serbia, and has been left out once again.
Wwith Quaresma, Carvalho and Tiago also left out, Santos is surprised Rinaldo’s absence is what everyone is all about.
“Why only talk about Cristiano Ronaldo when there are five or six absences?” the coach said.
“Cristiano is indisputable, but this is my decision.
“For a long time it’s been said we don’t have players and, when I select others, I am criticised.
“In fact, Portugal has a new generation of players emerging. We have a lot of players that enable us to make this choice.
“These games are not for experimenting, all players form part of the group.”
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb), Rui Patricio (Sporting CP).
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Cedric (Southampton), Eliseu (Benfica), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Raphael Guerreiro (Lorient), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).
Midfielders: Andre Andre (Porto), Andre Gomes (Valencia), Danilo (Porto), Joao Mario (Sporting CP), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), William Carvalho (Sporting CP).
Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Monaco), Goncalo Guedes (Benfica), Lucas Joao (Sheffield Wednesday), Nani (Fenerbahce), Nelson Oliveira (Nottingham Forest), Ricardo Pereira (Nice)
