Roberto Martínez leaves Pote out, Sporting break silence | OneFootball

Pedro Gonçalves was left out of Roberto Martínez’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and the decision was received with sadness in the Sporting camp. Both Rui Borges and Rui Silva regretted the absence of the Lions’ number 8, while stressing their respect for the national team coach’s choices.

The Sporting manager even admitted that the news caused disappointment in the green-and-white dressing room, especially given the season the Portuguese international had. “Of course I’m sad, and he was too. Going to a World Cup is a unique opportunity, and he has been working for that,” said Rui Borges in comments to Sport TV.

Even so, the coach made a point of not directly challenging the decision of Portugal’s national team. “As for whether he deserves it or not, from our side we always think he does, but I’m not going to question the coach’s decisions. He made the decisions he wanted, he believed they were the best ones, and as a Portuguese person, I’ll be supporting the national team regardless of the players called up. We all have to support our country,” he added.

Rui Silva also commented on Pote’s absence from the final squad list. The Sporting goalkeeper, who will be at the World Cup along with Gonçalo Inácio and Francisco Trincão, admitted there had been an expectation of seeing his teammate included among those selected.

“Pote was with us throughout all the call-ups and was in the last Nations League. Of course we expected him to be there and we’re sorry he can’t be. He had a very good season, but these are decisions and we have to respect the coach’s decisions,” explained the goalkeeper.

Rui Silva also spoke about the emotion of being at the first World Cup of his career. “It’s a huge source of pride. It’s my first World Cup; I’ve already had the opportunity to be at a European Championship and in the Nations League, and it’s something very rewarding for me and for my career,” concluded the 32-year-old goalkeeper.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.