Rúben Neves bares no grudges after being dropped for World Cup | OneFootball

Portugal midfielder Rúben Neves has insisted that he bares no grudges against coach Fernando Santos after being left out of the squad for the 2018 World Cup.

The 21-year-old has been a frequent presence in the national side for the past three years but was surprisingly left out by Santos for the tournament in Russia after being named in the initial 35-man group.

The Wolves man, who has earned rave reviews this term for his performances in the Premier League, is back for the Seleção for their matches with Italy and Poland during this international break.

“Portugal have a wide selection of players,” he told reporters when asked about being left out of the squad over the summer.

“I was ready to play if I was called upon, but the coach chose players for the World Cup who he thought were better. I was really calm about that.”

Back amongst the fold now though, Neves is focused on getting the point that Portugal need to make it to the last four of the Nations League.

“Even though we know we only have to get a point, we’re still going into these games looking to win.

“We’re going to play right from the first whistle to get a victory.”

First up is Italy in Milan on November 17 before hosting Poland three days later.