EURO 2024: Ronaldo in Portugal squad ‘on merit’, not by name
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo in EURO 2024 is based on merit rather than solely on his name.
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Ronaldo earns Portugal call-up based on merit
The Al-Nassr superstar will become the first footballer to play at six European Championships.
Previously, former coach Fernando Santos dropped Ronaldo in Portugal’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
This time, Ronaldo earned a spot with Selecao after scoring 50 goals for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia last season.
Portugal kicks off their opening Group F game against Czechia.
“Cristiano is in the national team on merit,” Martinez said in a news conference on Monday. “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 nine goals in our qualification rounds.
“He’s a goal scorer and for us he’s someone who can make that final move. 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.”
EURO 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
- Germany outclass Scotland in 5-1 opening fixture
- EURO 2024 RESULT – SWITZERLAND EDGED HUNGARY IN OPENING GROUP GAME
- EURO 2024: BELLINGHAM HEADER LIFTS ENGLAND PAST SERBIA
- EURO 2024: SLOVENIA SPOIL ERIKSEN MOMENT FOR DENMARK
- WEGHORST SALVAGES NETHERLANDS VS POLAND
- ITALY HUMBLES ALBANIA DESPITE YIELDING QUICK GOAL
- EURO 2024: WOBER OWN GOAL LIFTS FRANCE TO WIN AMID MBAPPE INJURY
Ronaldo’s teammates approve
The addition of the 39-year-old Ronaldo only boosted the morale of his Portugal teammates.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias said Ronaldo serves as an “inspiration” to everyone.
“He represents inspiration, he represents that everything is possible,” said Dias. “He represents that you can dream and you can achieve it. But mainly I would like to say that it’s a pleasure to have him with us.
“More than all these little things, him being with us in this moment of his career, he shows that he really wants to win again. He’s our captain and we follow him until the end.”
