“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

Cristiano Ronaldo had a season to forget. His 2022-23 started with the heartbreaking news of the loss of his newborn son. He didn’t travel with Manchester United for the preseason. His exclusion from starting lineup, explosive interview, contract termination, dismal performance in the World Cup, and transfer to Al Nassr followed soon. 

But what raised the eyebrows of the soccer world was his inclusion in Portugal’s squad by new manager Roberto Martinez. Despite having an inconsistent start to his Saudi adventure, the former Belgium coach trusted Ronaldo. Martinez recently reflected on his decision.

Roberto Martinez clears the air over Cristiano Ronaldo 

Portugal sacked Fernando Santos after the team’s Qatar World Cup ended prematurely in the quarter-final. They appointed a former Belgium national team coach to replace the outgoing Santos. However, Martinez surprised everyone by including Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2024 qualifiers in March.  

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Ronaldo repaid the faith shown by Martinez by scoring four goals in two games. He shut the critics with his performances. Martinez recently spoke to talkSPORT and reflected on the decision. Martinez said, “For Cristiano, he wasn’t ready to just step away. He was ready to be almost wanting to be part of the new cycle, and at that point, it was very easy to include him into the March camp.”

Martinez wanted to use his leadership skills apart from his goalscoring. “He scored four goals. He was a real leader and a captain that brings an experience that no other player has in world football. Someone that can reach 200 caps for your country is something that needs to be used in your dressing room,” the Portugal coach said.

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However, it wasn’t going to be easy to select his first squad for Martinez. But he first spoke to the whole of Portugal’s squad that traveled to Qatar. It helped him understand the players closely and ultimately made his selection easier. 

Martinez picks up Ronaldo again

Portugal will play in the Euro 2024 qualifiers this month. They will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland this month. All eyes were on Ronaldo again. Martinez has again shown faith in the Al Nassr forward as he wants to be part of the new cycle. Whether the international record caps holder again shuts his critics with performances remains to be seen.

Cristiano Ronaldo will hope to put on a show after a dismal first season at Al Nassr. He saw the team crashing out of all domestic competitions and losing the title race to Al Ittihad. He had a mediocre season and will look to come back stronger next season.

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Do you think Ronaldo can still make massive contributions to the national team?