Array of recalls and new faces marks new era
Despite giving indications to the contrary in his first public statements upon becoming Portugal coach, Fernando Santos opted for an authentic revolution as he announced his first squad selection for the upcoming games against France and Denmark.
New blood has been injected in the shape of Cédric, Ivo Pinto, José Fonte, Adrien and João Mário.
Several veterans who were out of the picture under Bento have also been recalled: Ricardo Carvalho, Danny, Tiago Mendes and Ricardo Quaresma.
The revamped squad could spell the end of the line for the likes of Raul Meireles, Ricardo Costa, Miguel Veloso and João Pereira, all mainstays of the squad under Bento.
Faced with a barrage of questions, especially regarding the reasoning behind the recalls, Santos refused to go into details, saying simply: "I'm not interested in this question of a break from the past. What I'm interested in is planning for a brilliant future, building a team with conviction."
The coach also emphasised that although he considered the France friendly an important match, from which "I can draw some conclusions," his main focus would be on the clash in Denmark on 14 October, Portugal's second Euro 2016 qualifying game, having lost the first one 1-0 against Albania.
Judging by the initial reaction on social media, if Santos intended to rekindle excitement and expectation among Portugal fans, this first squad selection certainly seems to have done just that.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício (Sporting), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Sevilla)
Defenders: Pepe (Real Madrid), Fábio Coentrão (Real Madrid), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahçe), Cédric (Sporting), Eliseu (Benfica), Ivo Pinto (Dínamo Zagreb), José Fonte (Southampton), Ricardo Carvalho (Monaco), Antunes (Malaga)
Midfielders: João Moutinho (Monaco), André Gomes (Valencia), Adrien (Sporting), João Mário (Sporting), Tiago (Atlético Madrid), William Carvalho (Sporting).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Nani (Sporting), Danny (Zenit), Éder (Braga), Quaresma (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg)