Portugal manager makes it clear what role Cristiano Ronaldo will play at the World Cup
The Al-Nassr forward was included in Portugal’s World Cup squad, with the manager making it clear why he was selected.
Water freezes below zero. Light travels at a constant speed. Cristiano Ronaldo scores goals. That was probably about how Roberto Martínez thought through the process of picking the Al-Nassr forward for his World Cup squad this summer.
For the sixth time in a row, Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to play at the world’s greatest sporting tournament, a new record. Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022 all sit behind him and his goalscoring evidence backs up another go at glory.
But a sheer amount of tournament appearances, by definition, brings with it something else: the passing of time. Ronaldo is not the vibrant, tricky winger he used to be, but he brings with him a wealth of experience that Roberto Martínez was keen to point out.
“We want the same level of responsibility and leadership”
“I hope he continues to play the same role he has had over the last three years that I’ve been with the national team,” he said, before somewhat laying down the gauntlet for Ronaldo to step up as a leader and guide Portugal to something historic.
“I’ve spoken a lot about Cristiano. When we talk about him, there are two players. The global football icon, about whom all football fans around the world have an opinion and recognise what he brings to the game, and then there is our captain. He has the same demands as every other player, the same competitiveness to be part of the national team."
“For me, he is an exemplary captain. He was crucial in winning the Nations League, and now we want the same level of responsibility and leadership in the dressing room.”
Related stories
Cristiano Ronaldo makes World Cup history with Portugal
How Poch compares in US coaching history
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.