There were mixed reactions when Cristiano Ronaldo opted to play in Saudi Arabia. Many fans raised questions about his national team’s future after the transfer. The reason being his dismal form in the World Cup and the events that preceded it.

With the appointment of the former Belgium national team manager, Roberto Martinez, all eyes were on his first team selection in March. Martinez squashed all the speculations by calling Al Nassr forward, and Ronaldo repaid the faith with excellent performances. And Martinez again called him for national team duty and explained his decision.

Cristiano Ronaldo gets praise from Portugal’s coach

The international break is on. European teams are playing in UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers. Portugal is gearing up for their third game in qualifiers against Bosnia. Portugal’s coach Martinez called Cristiano Ronaldo and veteran defender Pepe again for the games. However, he has his set of reasons to name both the veterans on the team.

During a press conference, Martinez said, “We have three ways of analyzing a player: one, individual quality. The second experience. The third is commitment. Cristiano’s commitment is total. He is an example in the locker room, he is an example for Portuguese football and an example for world football. He’s a player with 198 caps for the national team.”

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“Like any other player, Cristiano needs to train well to be able to play, and that’s what we need, a high-performance environment with competition for our players. Cristiano and Pepe are examples for Portuguese football, and players we need to let them impart experience and wisdom to younger players,” he added while praising another veteran Pepe. 

There were arguments over Ronaldo playing away from European club soccer and his selection. However, Martinez isn’t concerned about it.

Roberto Martinez has no concern about where Ronaldo plays

Martinez started the presser by ending all the speculations regarding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner playing in the Roshn Saudi League. According to the former Belgium manager, playing outside Europe gives an advantage to the Portuguese. Meanwhile, he didn’t give any reasons for it but is a fan of Ronaldo’s experience and commitment.  

“Wasn’t Ready to Just Step Away” – Following Dismal Debut Season With Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo Wants to Be ‘Part’ of ‘New Cycle’ at Portugal, as Per Coach

Portugal will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in their third game of Group J of Euro 2024 qualifiers. With eight games to go, Portugal is top of the group with six points. They will play Iceland next before wrapping up the international break. The fans will hope for an inspiring Cristiano Ronaldo performance, who is in line to become the first-ever player to notch 200 international caps. 

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Roberto Martinez trusts Al Nassr’s talisman’s abilities, with Euro 2024 qualification as the primary goal, no matter where Ronaldo plays club soccer.