BESIKTAS MIDFIELDER MANUEL Fernandes has been left out of Paulo Bento’s 23-man Portugal squad for Euro 2012.
The 26-year-old’s omission is the biggest shock to come from the announcement, after he enjoyed an impressive season with the Turkish club.
Surprise inclusions come in the form of Sporting de Braga duo Miguel Lopes and Custodio, while Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira also features on the list after making his debut for the national team in February’s friendly against Poland.
Portugal have been handed a tough draw for the championships in Poland and Ukraine, joining Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark in Group B.
Before Bento’s side travel to their Euro training camp in the Polish town of Opalenica, they will play two friendly matches on home soil against Macedonia and Turkey.
Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting), Eduardo (Benfica), Beto (Cluj)Defenders: Joao Pereira (Sporting), Bruno Alves (Zenit St Petersburg), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Rolando (Porto), Miguel Lopes (Braga)
Midfielders: Carlos Martins (Granada), Joao Moutinho (Porto), Miguel Veloso (Genoa), Raul Meireles (Chelsea), Ruben Micael (Zaragoza), Custodio (Braga)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Helder Postiga (Zaragoza), Nani (Manchester United), Nelson Oliveira (Benfica), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas), Silvestre Varela (Porto). (Reporting by Daniel Alvarenga, editing by Dave Thompson)
