The former Venezuelan forward gave this opinion on the ESPN program, causing a lot of controversy on social networks. Moreno believes that not choosing Ronaldo will help coach Martínez avoid the difficult decision of whether to let him play or sit on the bench in major European tournaments.
He shared about removing Ronaldo from the team : “If I were the coach of the Portuguese national team, I would make a brave and courageous decision saying: ‘Cristiano, we really appreciate your efforts. “But we will go a different way. “I think that will help coach Roberto Martínez make more decisions and really explore the potential possibilities of this team.”
But just after Alejandro Moreno loudly demanded that Ronaldo be removed from the team, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner responded with a brace in Portugal’s 3-0 victory over the Republic of Iceland. Even before that, star Ronaldo had an excellent performance during the 2023-2024 season for both the club and the national team.
With the Al Nassr shirt he scored 44 goals and gave 13 assists in 45 games in all competitions. Wearing the national team jersey, Ronaldo scored 10 goals and gave 2 assists in 9 European Championship qualifying matches, when he won all 10 matches to easily earn tickets. He is also the Euro Cup’s top scorer with 14 goals in 25 games and led the team to the championship in 2016 when they defeated France 1-0 in the final.
These numbers have demonstrated Ronaldo’s position in the Portuguese team that participates in the Euro Cup for the sixth time, extending its record. The expert Moreno could ask for Ronaldo’s withdrawal from the squad to free coach Roberto Martínez from the dilemma of choosing a talented team. However, the Spanish teacher has repeatedly expressed his support and praise for the 39-year-old star.
For example, in a conversation with Rio Ferdinand, coach Martínez said: “You cannot find a better example for young players than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played 200 international matches and is still the last player to leave the training camp.” .
After Portugal completed qualification for the Euro Cup with a perfect 10 victories, Martínez also praised his student: “Cristiano Ronaldo is as hungry as an 18-year-old player. It is a role model. “Ronaldo always tries to be on the right side.” position and look for a goal.”
The 50-year-old professor also explained the role of star Al Nassr in the Portuguese national team: “Cristiano Ronaldo is willing to help the team and dedicate himself. “There is no other player in the world who brings that to the team.” “It’s like what Ronaldo has contributed.”
And Martínez will certainly lean on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as an example as he eyes the first major trophy of his tenure in Portugal.
