Cristiano Ronaldo playing in Saudi can help Portugal – Martinez

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez believes that Cristiano Ronaldo playing in a non-European membership has benefitted the nationwide workforce.

Amid studies that he may return to play in the Premier League, 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo just lately confirmed he’ll keep in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr subsequent season.

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“Playing in a non-European club is sometimes an advantage when playing in the national team,” Martinez stated.

Ronaldo scored 14 objectives in 16 video games since becoming a member of Al Nassr in January after having his Manchester United contract cancelled by mutual consent.

Portugal’s most-capped participant, Ronaldo, 38, is 2 video games away from reaching 200 caps together with his nationwide workforce.

“We have three ways of analysing a player: individual quality, experience and commitment,” Martinez stated. “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.”

The former Real Madrid and Juventus star holds the report for worldwide objectives, scoring 122 for Portugal since making his debut in 2003.

“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,” Martinez stated. “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.”

Portugal host Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday and Iceland subsequent Tuesday in their Euro 2024 qualifiers.