Roberto Martinez says Cristiano Ronaldo deserves Portugal spot

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said ‘unique’ Cristiano Ronaldo deserves his spot in the national team. Ronaldo, 40, won his second UEFA Nations League title with Portugal after they defeated Spain in the summit clash on penalties.

Ronaldo scored the match-winning goal against Germany in the semifinal contest. The veteran also scored the equaliser in the final against La Roja. The equaliser was Ronaldo’s 138th international goal as he continues to deliver at the top level.

“At 40, he has unique experience in the world of club football,” Martinez said of Ronaldo.

“Being a coach isn’t about picking or not picking Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s about using the best players to have the best team and win titles. It’s important to make decisions based on facts, and Cristiano has scored 20 goals [for Portugal] in [the last] 25 games. There are no records like this.

“We’ve managed to make the dressing room a very competitive place, and when you have a player like Ronaldo, it’s a football lesson every day.”

Martinez showered praise on Ronaldo for consistently delivering and doing a fine job for the national team.

“He is in the national team and has to be at the highest level,” Martinez said.

“But I think you have to understand the moments in a footballer’s career. He was a player who lived for dribbling, for that last move. Now he’s a player who has made history. He’s the best player in the history of Portugal and probably one of the most influential in the game.”

The gaffer said Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d’Or awards in his glorious career, has been an inspiration for Portugal.

“He’s more than a player, he’s an icon,” he said.

“Almost like the weather, something you talk about in the elevator. Every day he takes opportunities to improve. That is something that is very contagious. The fact that he only wants to improve influences the younger generation.”

Ronaldo will look to continue his good show at the top level.