Cristiano Ronaldo is going to help us win the Euros at 39 – he’s completely committed to Portugal, says boss Martinez
ROBERTO MARTINEZ begins his Portugal journey in the heart of Lisbon tonight.
Yet the new coach has already done the hard yards in setting high expectations, earning the respect of a talented group and — most importantly — winning over superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martinez, whose contract as Belgium boss finished after their poor World Cup, replaced Fernando Santos — who was axed after Portugal’s disappointing showing in Qatar.
Less than a week after being appointed, Martinez flew to Riyadh on January 11 to watch the Spanish Super Cup.
It was there over dinner that Martinez laid out his plans to Ronaldo, who had only just joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr.
Firstly, to assure the 38-year-old of his continued involvement, and to convince him of his ambitions to win Euro 2024.
Ronaldo had plenty of scars to heal after Martinez’s predecessor Santos dropped him for the last two games of their Qatar campaign.
Hot favourites Portugal lost 1-0 to surprise package Morocco in the quarter-finals — with even an appearance off the bench by Ronaldo failing to work.
Tears were shed by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the tunnel and dressing room after that match in Doha.
He felt his international career was over after 19 years, 196 caps and a world-record 118 international goals.
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Martinez, though, gave Ronaldo fresh optimism that he is part of his country’s plans ahead of next year’s Euro finals in Germany.
Martinez said: “Cristiano is a player who is completely committed to the national team.
“I don’t look at age or other aspects.
“He has the chance to help the team and pass on his experience to other players.”
Of course, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may say otherwise after getting shot of Ronaldo as the World Cup kicked off in November.
The Dutchman was fed up with Ronaldo’s negative dressing-room influence, unpredictable moods and a tendency to give rash interviews that ultimately led to his Old Trafford axing.
Martinez, true to his word, has included the veteran in his maiden squad for this international break’s Euro qualifiers — at home to Liechtenstein tonight and away to Luxembourg on Sunday.
In fact, despite watching his ageing Belgian ‘Golden Generation’ flop in Qatar, Martinez is so far opting for experienced heads.
Defender Pepe, still going at 40, was also in his first squad, only to pull out through injury.
SunSport understands Martinez’s preference to remain loyal to the old guard, instead of having a major clearout, has won favour with the rest of the squad.
They were also pleased Martinez made individual phone calls to every player to underline their importance to his vision.
It is a vision to replicate the success of Euro 2016 and win a second major trophy for the nation.
His confidence is such that SunSport understands Martinez has agreed to accept a significantly reduced pay-off should he be sacked for failing to reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
However, the Spaniard sees the potential of a group that includes young stars such as Chelsea loanee Joao Felix and AC Milan striker Rafael Leao, both 23, and 24-year-old Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes.
Martinez has told the Portuguese FA and local media that the 2026 World Cup is where this squad should peak, the year his contract expires.
Ronaldo’s chances of still being involved at that tournament at the age of 41 are slim, even with his insane physical conditioning.
For now CR7 is back in the fold — and Martinez is back dreaming of glory.