Ronaldo Playing In Saudi Can Help His Portugal Team — Martinez

Roberto Martinez stated that Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now playing in a non-European league, could benefit the Portuguese national team.

The Portugal manager praised Ronaldo as a role model in the locker room and urged the star player to pass on vital advice to the Portuguese national team’s young players.

Speaking to reporters, Martinez said, “Playing in a non-European club is sometimes an advantage when playing in the national team. We have three ways of analysing a player: individual quality, experience and commitment. Cristiano’s commitment is complete. He is an example for the locker room, an example for Portuguese and world football. He has played 198 matches for the national team.

“Cristiano and [veteran FC Porto defender] Pepe are examples of Portuguese football, and we need them to pass all the experience and wisdom to the youngest players. Like any other player, he [Ronaldo] needs to train well in order to play. We need a high-performance environment with competition for our players.”

Ronaldo had some issues after spending six months in Saudi Arabia, particularly with the heat, but the 38-year-old is now totally comfortable in the new environment and remains committed to the club despite rumors of him departing after just one season. In Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo scored 14 goals in 16 games for Al-Nassr, who finished second in the Pro League.

He’ll be back in action on Saturday when Portugal takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Euro 2024 qualifying match.