Roberto Martinez, manager of the Portuguese national team, has firmly defended the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro 2024 squad, despite the iconic forward’s age and move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr last year. Martinez acknowledged that Ronaldo, at 39, may not be the same player he once was, but he maintains that Ronaldo’s experience, goal-scoring prowess, and ability to create space for teammates are invaluable assets to the team.
Martinez pointed to Ronaldo’s impressive recent form, having scored 44 goals in 45 appearances for Al Nassr last season and adding seven goals in seven appearances for Portugal prior to the start of the Euros. He also emphasized that Ronaldo’s physical fitness is more than adequate, stating that his statistics demonstrate his ability to play every four days.
Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in Portugal’s opening 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic, though he did not score. Despite this, Martinez believes that Ronaldo’s contribution extends beyond goals, citing his role in creating scoring opportunities and his experience in high-pressure situations.
Portugal currently sits second in Group F, trailing Turkey on goal difference. A win against Turkey at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, combined with a Georgia loss to the Czech Republic, would secure Portugal’s top spot in the group and a place in the round of 16. The match promises to be a challenging affair, with Turkey having already demonstrated their strength with a 3-1 victory over Georgia in their opening match. The Turkish team will also benefit from the passionate support of their fans in Dortmund.
With the stakes high and a potentially decisive match against Turkey looming, Ronaldo’s presence in the Portugal squad remains a topic of debate. However, Martinez remains convinced that Ronaldo’s contributions justify his place in the team, and the veteran forward is set to play a key role in Portugal’s bid for Euro 2024 glory.
