Portugal begin Euro 2016 training without Ronaldo

Lisbon (AFP) – Portugal on Monday began preparations for Euro 2016 in Lisbon without talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Real Madrid forward and club teammate Pepe will join the squad after the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in Milan on Saturday.

Fifteen of the 23 players named in Fernando Santos’ squad were present at their first training session, with those who played for their club sides at the weekend due to arrive during the week.

The team are preparing in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, before warm-up friendlies — the first on Sunday in Porto against Norway, before a match against England at Wembley on June 2, and at home against Estonia on June 8 at the Estadio da Luz.

During the tournament, Portugal will be based at the French national rugby team’s camp in Marcoussis near Paris.

The 2004 runners-up kick off their Group F campaign against finals debutants Iceland on June 14, before facing Austria and Hungary.