Martinez Defends Ronaldo's Call-Up: He Doesn't Play Because of the Past
Saturday 14-02-2026
The coach of the Portuguese national team, Spaniard Roberto Martinez, emphasized that the continued selection of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo is not related to his past achievements, but rather to what he currently offers on the field.

This came during an interview with the British BBC network, where he emphasized that the current standards are the basis for evaluating players within the national team.

Martinez explained that Ronaldo is still a very important player for Portugal, noting that he has scored 25 goals in his last 30 international matches, which proves his current value, not just his historical one. He added that Ronaldo's leadership and commitment serve as an exemplary model within the team, especially given the mix of generations present in the squad.

The Spanish coach described training Ronaldo as "very easy" due to the high standards he sets for himself, affirming that the Portuguese star has adapted to his current role after more than two decades with the national team. He noted that the player is still capable of continuing for a long time if he maintains his physical and mental level.

In concluding his remarks, Martinez emphasized that the Portuguese national team does not only look at past achievements but also at the current performance of each player. He affirmed that Ronaldo remains an important part of the team's project in the upcoming period, especially with the World Cup approaching.

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