Roberto Martinez had previously said, “The team is prepared to win without Cristiano.” But the 39-year-old is running back the clock in Saudi Arabia and has firmly established himself in the manager’s plans for the Euro. But, what exactly is the secret to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s longevity that has seen him play 5 editions of the Euro already? The Spanish manager explains.

Martinez told RTVE, “I’ve worked with many, but what sets Cristiano apart is the need to always be prepared to be the best. A contagious hunger, but very difficult to achieve.” A big compliment when considering that Martinez has worked with the likes of Eden Hazard & Kevin De Bruyne as well. However, this is not the first time the Spaniard has praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s mentality.

Back in January, the Portuguese superstar secured the IFFHS Golden Boot by beating the likes of Erling Haaland & Kylian Mbappe. At the time, Martinez praised his captain and said, “Cristiano is obsessed with being the best and obsessed with winning, and that’s what a coach wants. He’s obsessed with what he can do to prepare himself to help the team.” Moreover, he also praised CR7’s training regime.

But, things were not always positive for Cristiano Ronaldo in the national camp. After an unceremonious exit from Manchester United, the attacker had a sub-par FIFA World Cup in 2022. This raised questions regarding his NT future. But the move to Al Nassr came at the right time for the soccer icon, and Martinez credited the transfer as a ‘positive‘ influence on CR7.

“Cristiano Ronaldo Is No Longer a One-on-One Athlete”- Roberto Martinez’s Honest Opinion on the Portugal Captain

Ahead of the Euros, the big question was whether CR7 would lead the attack or would rising star Goncalo Ramos be preferred. However, Martinez seems to have a different plan.

Cristiano Ronaldo & Ramos ‘can play together’, per Martinez

In the 2022 World Cup, Goncalo Ramos was preferred in the knockouts over the soccer icon. However, this time around, it seems Martinez will unleash both of his attackers at once. He said, “I think Cristiano’s movement in the final third is top quality. Gonçalo Ramos also has an innate quality of looking for space in the area. Both players can play as spearheads on their own or, as they’ve shown, they can play together.”

This is great news for Portugal. Following his $86 million move to PSG, Ramos hasn’t hit the high standards he is used to. But, his performances for the national side have been impressive, especially his hat trick against Switzerland. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo has been in fine form for the country and scored 10 goals in the European Qualifiers. Hence, it seems Martinez prefers an all-guns approach this time around, in a bid for European glory.

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