Despite turning 40 earlier this year, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a force for both Al-Nassr and Portugal, delivering clinical performances in a number nine role. And, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has revealed how the striker continues to impress.
So, what has the former Belgium and Everton manager said about the Portugal captain?
Roberto Martinez Opens Up on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Importance for Portugal
During a recent interview with Canal 11, Martinez provided insight into Ronaldo’s role as an experienced player for his national team. He also claimed that the Real Madrid legend plays for A Seleção due to his form, not his past achievements.
“Cristiano Ronaldo does not play for Portugal because of what he has done in the past, but because of the importance he has right now. We all know what he’s done in his career. Now he’s a very different player who uses his experience intelligently, in his movements, in his finishing ability. He has scored 25 goals in his last 30 games for the Seleção,” Martinez said (via OneFootball).
Ronaldo, who has earned a record 226 international caps for Portugal so far, will compete in his sixth FIFA World Cup in 2026. He will be hoping to bank on his finishing prowess in the quadrennial tournament to lift his first-ever FIFA World Cup trophy.
The former Manchester United striker has scored a record 143 goals for Martinez’s team.
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Ronaldo Could Be Eclipsed in Saudi Pro League, Claims Pundit
Former Real Salt Lake and Portland Timbers star Ian Paul Joy has suggested that Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah could prove to be a better signing than Ronaldo for the Saudi Pro League.
“It’s hard to disagree with the fact that the Saudi Pro League would be able to offer him more money than ever imaginable. He will be a wanted man for the Saudi Pro League. They will throw a lot of money at him and I think because of the language and the quality of player, the profile he has, in that region and around the world, he will be bigger than Cristiano Ronaldo,” Joy said on CBS Sports Golazo.
Salah, 33, has reportedly been linked with several clubs since his fiery tirade against Liverpool’s leadership earlier this month. He has recently drawn attention from Al-Hilal, Al-Qadsiah, and NEOM SC, as per The Athletic.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has elevated the Saudi Pro League’s stature as a league since his free transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2023. He has bagged a whopping 84 goals and provided 17 assists in 86 league games for his current club.
