Bernardo Silva named Portugal captain after Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement

©️🇵🇹 Bernardo Silva will be the new captain of the Portuguese national team after Cristiano Ronaldo. https://t.co/skHh7yNVWh

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed the appointment on Friday, November 6, during a press conference to announce his 28-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.

The 32-year-old Real Madrid midfielder takes over the armband after Ronaldo announced his retirement on Thursday, bringing an end to his 23-year international career.

Jesus explained that Portugal’s captaincy selection is based on the number of international appearances, with Silva emerging as the most-capped player after Ronaldo.

“The player with the most international appearances after Cristiano Ronaldo is Bernardo Silva,” Jesus said according to AS.

Silva has made 115 appearances for Portugal and will lead a five-man leadership group that also includes Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo and Rúben Neves.

Fernandes has 97 caps, Dias 84, Cancelo 77 and Neves 73.

Ronaldo leaves the national team as Portugal’s record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 234 caps and 146 goals.

Silva’s first matches as captain will come when Portugal host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Cardiff to face Wales on November 17.

Portugal have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their opening 4 Group A4 matches.