Jorge Jesus adds seven new players to Portugal squad after Ronaldo’s international retirement

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has made seven changes to the squad ahead of the Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. The 28-player squad is the first since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement earlier in the week.

The squad includes Alberto Costa, António Silva, Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora and Gustavo Varela. Costa and Varela have received their first call-ups to the senior national team, while Mora and Quenda have yet to play an international match for the senior side.

Francisco Conceição is out through suspension and Nuno Mendes through injury, while Gonçalo Inácio was not included in the squad. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença said the country would honour Ronaldo’s contributions to the national team, and that his achievements deserved recognition and celebration.

Portugal face Denmark on 14 November, then take on Wales three days later. The source said the team had won its first four Nations League matches and needed one point to secure top spot in its group. The squad also included goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares, along with the other players listed in the defence, midfield and attack.