Coach Roberto Martínez stated that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to be called up to the Portuguese national team for his high performance, before the opening match of Group F of Euro 2024 against the Czech Republic.

“Ronaldo was called up for his good performance. No one can enter the national team just because of their reputation,” Martínez said on June 17 at the pre-match press conference at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.

Ronaldo scores during Portugal’s internal practice match in Germany, preparing for Euro 2024 on June 15. Photo by: Seleção Portugal Ronaldo scores during Portugal’s internal practice match in Germany, preparing for Euro 2024 on June 15. Photo: Seleção Portugal

In the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo was benched by then Portugal coach Fernando Santos in the last round of the group stage against South Korea, in the round of 16 against Switzerland and in the quarterfinals against Morocco. . The conflict with Ronaldo was part of the reason why Santos was fired by the Portuguese Football Federation immediately after the tournament.

Upon returning from the tournament in Qatar, Ronaldo left Europe and went to Saudi Arabia to play for Al Nassr. Although he did not win any official tournaments with Al Nassr, the 39-year-old striker had an explosive 2023-2024 season with 50 goals in 51 games, including a record 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League. Thanks to this, he became the first player to win the title of top scorer in four countries, including Saudi Arabia, England, Italy and Spain.

Martínez was impressed by Ronaldo’s steady form, noting that the striker scored 50 goals in 51 games at club level and scored nine goals in qualifying for Euro 2024. The 50-year-old coach assessed that Ronaldo could stretch the defense of the rival. creating space for teammates and being the destination for decisive passes.

“As the years went by, Ronaldo changed his way of playing a little. But I can only say that Ronaldo came to the Portuguese team thanks to his high performance, and the statistics prove it,” Martínez added.

Ronaldo is among the best players worth watching at Euro 2024.

Ronaldo, at 39 years old, has the longest tenure in the team with 206 games, but the oldest player called up is Porto midfielder Pepe, 41 years old. Other stars expected from the Portuguese team are Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias (Man City), Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) and Rafael Leao (AC Milan).

According to Opta, Portugal has a 59.5% chance of passing the group stage and a 9.2% chance of winning the title. When asked about the possibility of winning the championship, Martínez said he brought enough baggage to stay until the final on July 14. “We have to dream. Otherwise, it is very difficult to succeed in football,” he said. “The opening match against the Czech Republic is an opportunity to show that we are prepared and can meet expectations.”

Ronaldo still holds the captaincy of Portugal and will probably start today. In the last friendly match, a 3-0 win over Ireland ahead of Euro 2024, the 39-year-old striker played the full 90 minutes, scoring two left-footed masterpieces to increase his record to 130 goals in 127 games at international level. of equipment. .

“Ronaldo represents inspiration and is proof that anything is possible,” midfielder Rubén Dias praised his teammates. “Ronaldo shows that you can achieve all your dreams. “The fact that Ronaldo is still here at this point in his career shows that he is very hungry to win the championship.”