May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese national team announced its 26-man roster for this year's Euro. Later, Portugal's manager Roberto Martinez explained at a press conference that the veteran
Pepe
Reasons for inclusion.
Martinez said, "We have a very interesting squad with players from different eras. Pepe and Cairo, they belong to a different era than Bernardo Silva, Ruben Diaz, Joao Neves and Antonio Silva. Pepe's role in the dressing room is very important. His personal demands, the way he plays for the national team, are exemplary."
He continued, "It was interesting to see Pepe play two games in March and help the team to zero out the opposition. His ability to communicate and pick his spots defensively means that as long as he's fit, he's a very important player for us."
The 39-year-old Pepe plays an important leadership role in the national team. Not only does he show great defensive skills on the field, but he also influences the younger players through his experience and professional attitude. Martinez particularly emphasized Pepe's value within the dressing room and how he inspires the team through his high personal standards and style of play.
