Roberto Martinez has dismissed any suggestion that Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League has diminished his effectiveness at international level, insisting the 41-year-old continues to play with the same hunger and quality that has defined his career.
The Portugal head coach travelled to Riyadh on 12 May to watch Al-Nassr’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal at the King Saud University Stadium, using the trip to assess the performances of Ronaldo, Ruben Neves and Joao Felix ahead of his World Cup squad announcement on 19 May.
Speaking to the German Press Agency, Martinez was unequivocal in his assessment of Portugal’s captain.
“Cristiano continues to have a great desire to win and I see no sign that his level has dropped since he came to Saudi Arabia. He is playing exceptionally well and has proven his importance to the Portuguese national team. His passion continues, even after all the successes and achievements he has reached, and having that hunger is quite remarkable,” he said.
Ronaldo has backed up Martinez’s words with his performances this season, scoring 26 goals and providing three assists to help fire Al-Nassr to the summit of the Saudi Pro League at the age of 41.
While full of admiration for Ronaldo’s enduring quality, Martinez was equally clear that legendary status alone cannot guarantee a place in the squad. Every player, including the captain, must earn their selection.
“Achievements alone are not enough to guarantee a place in the national team. It is also necessary to contribute to the team’s success. Although he is the captain and has achieved unprecedented success that demonstrates his exceptional talent, he has the same responsibilities as any other player on the national team,” Martinez said.
The squad announcement on 19 May will confirm whether Ronaldo will embark on a historic sixth World Cup finals appearance, having made his tournament debut back in 2006. No outfield player in the history of the competition has appeared at six World Cups.
Portugal begin their North American campaign on 17 June against DR Congo in Houston as part of a Group K that also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia. Should Ronaldo be named in the squad, as Martinez’s comments strongly suggest he will be, the tournament will represent one final opportunity for him to add a World Cup winners’ medal to a collection of honours that has few parallels in the history of the game.
