Portugal national team coach, Roberto Martinez, stressed that Cristiano Ronaldo will participate in Euro 2024 because he has performed at outstanding levels throughout the season, and not because of his name as a football legend.
Some media outlets had attacked Martinez and considered Ronaldo’s joining a mere compliment, especially since the technical difference between European football and the Saudi League seemed clear – to them -.
The Spanish coach responded to this in the press conference for the Czech Republic’s first match against Portugal in Euro 2024 by saying, “Ronaldo is with us because he deserves to be called up to the national team. I confirm that no one is in the Portugal national team because of his name alone.”
He also added, “Ronaldo’s performance with Al-Nasr throughout the season was outstanding. With us, he scored 9 goals in the Euro qualifiers, and as a player he can make moves that no one else can do.”
He concluded, “Ronaldo can be relied upon to open spaces for opponents. He is also our defender, and with a close look at the numbers we can prove that with ease.”
It remains to be noted that Ronaldo scored 35 goals this season with Al-Nasr in the Saudi League, but he was unable to win any official title after runner-up in the league and cup and leaving the AFC Champions League in the quarter-finals.
