Lisbon, Aug 30 (IANS): Barcelona's midfielder Portuguese Andre Gomes on Tuesday said compatriot and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is "a great example for all" footballers.

Although Ronaldo is injured and has not been called up for the next two meetings that will see Portugal against Gibraltar and Switzerland, Gomes believes that the Portuguese star "is a very important player, who is always ready to play", reports Efe.

"Ronaldo is a very important player, who is always ready to play and is a great example for all," Gomes, who joined Barcelona this summer from Valencia, said.

Gomes, 23, stressed that the 23 players of the Portuguese squad will fight with the same group spirit after winning their first European Championship this summer.

Fernando Santos' squad is camping in the sports city in Oeiras to prepare for a friendly with Gibraltar on September 1 and the first match of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland on September 6.

"We know how to make the group strong ... the coach trusts everyone," Gomes added.