Portugal coach Martinez opens up about Ronaldo’s role in team
LISBON: Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has shed light on Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the current team and his impact on the side.
Ronaldo, who is playing in the Saudi Pro League at 40, has scored more than 950 goals and is expected to captain Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he has confirmed will be his last.
The legend started his career with Portugal at 18 in 2003, and since then, he has been an integral part of the team. Ronaldo recently helped Portugal win their second UEFA Nations League trophy in June, making them the country with the most silverware at the competition.
Martinez said that Ronaldo has some limitations due to his current age. He is more of a positional player, a striker who is a finisher. “I think we need to accept that everyone in the world knows Cristiano Ronaldo and has an opinion [about him]. But the Cristiano Ronaldo who joined the national team 21 years ago is not the same Cristiano he is now. Now, he’s much more of a positional player, a striker. He’s a player who, for us, is a finisher,” Martinez said in an interview with ESPN. “He’s the all-time leading scorer. So, having a player who now has 25 goals in the last 30 games for the national team is a gift.”
Martinez added that with his experience and commitment, Ronaldo has become a player who inspires the locker room. “It’s about the present; we’re not talking about what he did 10 years ago. So, for me, his commitment is very important. He’s the only player in the world with more than 220 international caps. So, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s experience, having the commitment he has… He’s an example. And he’s a player who inspires the locker room,” he added.
Talking about Ronaldo’s role, the Portugal coach said that he is a forward who attracts defenders during the game and creates space. “On the field, he’s a finisher who attracts defenders during the game and creates space; and, for us, that’s a very important aspect, also with all the experience he manages to transmit to the players,” Martinez explained. “A flaw? I think a player’s flaw, in general, is when there’s a lack of commitment, when there’s a lack of attitude. So, a player without commitment, without attitude, isn’t called up to the national team.” Web Desk
