Roberto Martinez has firmly stated that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves his spot in the Portugal squad for Euro 2024. As the seasoned forward gears up for a critical Group F match against Turkey, Martinez highlighted Ronaldo’s continued value to the team.
Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 130 goals in 208 international appearances, is participating in his sixth European Championship at 39 years old. Despite his move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia last year, Ronaldo remains a key player for the national team. Martinez confirmed that Ronaldo will feature in Saturday’s match in Dortmund.
“I think what’s important is to understand what a player brings,” Martinez told reporters. “Cristiano brings experience, know-how, goal-scoring opportunities, movement in the box, and the ability to open up space.”
In Portugal’s opening 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Leipzig, Ronaldo played the full match, though he did not score. Francisco Conceicao netted the decisive late goal in that game.
Martinez pointed out Ronaldo’s impressive recent performance stats, noting that he scored 44 goals in 45 club games over the past season. Additionally, Ronaldo netted seven times in seven appearances for Portugal in the lead-up to the Euros.
“All the physical stats show that Cristiano can play every four days,” Martinez added. “Cristiano is in the national team of Portugal because he deserves to be.”
Portugal currently trails group leaders Turkey on goal difference in Group F. They can secure first place and advance to the last 16 in Germany with a win at the Westfalenstadion, provided Georgia does not beat the Czech Republic in Hamburg. Turkey, who defeated Georgia 3-1 in their opening match, will once again have strong support in Dortmund.
The upcoming clash is crucial for Portugal’s campaign, and with Ronaldo’s presence, Martinez remains confident in his team’s prospects.
