Portugal manager Roberto Martinez emphasized that Cristiano Ronaldo is entitled to get a place in the EURO 2024 squad. The 50-year-old stressed Ronaldo’s invaluable experience, underscoring its critical significance.
In 2023, Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia but remained a regular in his national side. He is Portugal’s leading goal scorer and all-time male goalscorer, having netted a record 130 goals in 208 appearances. The 39-year-old, who led Portugal to triumph in EURO 2016, is currently participating in his sixth European Championship. Portugal is now gearing up for their Group F clash against Turkey on June 22.
“I think what’s important is to understand what a player brings. For us, Cristiano brings the experience, brings the know-how, brings the goal-scoring opportunities, the movement in the box, the opportunity to open up space,” Martinez told reporters.
While speaking about Ronaldo’s stats, Martinez defended him, highlighting his performance in the previous season. In the 2023-24 season with Al Nassr, he scored a total of 44 goals in 45 appearances. The Portuguese icon did not score in their opening EURO 2024 clash against the Czech Republic; nevertheless, his side secured a 2-1 win.
“If you want to analyse the stats in terms of the physical side, well you need to look at what he’s done in the last 12 months,” he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo is in the national team of Portugal because he deserves to be: Robert Martinez
Roberto Martinez went on to support Ronaldo, highlighting his physical statistics showing he can play every four days. Notably, Ronaldo has scored seven goals in as many appearances for Portugal this season until the beginning of the Euros.
“Cristiano is in the national team of Portugal because he deserves to be, and all the physical stats just back that he can play every four days,” the coach added.
