Roberto Martinez says that Cristiano Ronaldo has earned his spot at Euro 2024 through his performances – explaining that "nobody gets into the national team just by having a name".
At the age of 39, the current Euro 2024 tournament in Germany looks to be Ronaldo's last chance to play for his side at international level, but there have been doubts as to whether the past-his-prime forward should have been taken to this summer's tournament. Ex-Manchester United star Louis Saha earlier this year defended his former team-mate after Frank Leboeuf said that Portugal can only win the Euros without their talisman.
Speaking back in March, Leboeuf said: "For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play. You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League. I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone."
But Saha accused the Chelsea legend of disrespecting Ronaldo, responding: "I heard Frank Leboeuf say that Portugal can't win with Cristiano Ronaldo. I think it's disrespectful. Yes you can have your say and say and yes it’s possible that Portugal are not going to win with or without him, but saying he can’t win the competition at all is very harsh."
Now, Portugal boss Martinez has defended his decision to take Ronaldo to his sixth European Championship – slamming critics who say that the Al-Nassr man is only there because of his name and past achievements. Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard said: "Cristiano is in the national team on merit.
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"Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games – consistent with his club in his league – and he scored [10] goals in our qualification rounds. He's a goalscorer and, for us, he's someone who can make that final move.
All eyes will be on Ronaldo tonight (AP)"He can stretch defences and open spaces. Over the years, he has changed his way of playing slightly, but I can only say that Cristiano is in the national team on merit and the numbers are there to back that up."
Ronaldo has been a key part of Portugal's European Championship plans for two decades, first appearing under Luiz Felipe Scolari at the nation's hosting tournament of 2004 where they lost the final to underdogs Greece. He has also played at the tournament in 2008, 2012, 2020 and 2016 – which Portugal would famously win thanks to a 1-0 victory over France in the final.
While his career may be coming to an end in the coming years, Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down despite his age – netting 44 and setting another 13 up in 44 games across all competitions for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr this season. At international level, Ronaldo is also Portugal's most capped player with 130 goals to his name in 207 appearances for his country – exceeding numbers places earned by legends like Luis Figo, Nani and Rui Costa.
Portugal take on Czech Republic in their first game of Euro 2024 at 8pm Tuesday (June 18), and all eyes will be on CR7 to see how his form is on the big stage. They also share a group with Turkey, who they face on Saturday, and Georgia, who is their final group game on Wednesday, June 26.
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