"It was easy to include Ronaldo"

Despite opting for a lower level of football and his gradul drifting away from the media spotlight, Cristiano Ronaldo has maintained his place in the Portuguese national side. That is what Roberto Martinez has said since he landed his new job.

On Wednesday, the Spanish manager spoke to 'TalkSport' and spoke about the Al Nassr forward. "I have the chance to meet all the players and Cristiano wasn't ready to leave the national side", he claimed.

"He was prepared and wanted to be part of this new cycle. It was easy to include him", Roberto Martinez added, who seemed very motivated for this new step after leaving Belgium.

What is more, the ex-Everton boss made clear how important Ronaldo was for Portugal: "He scored 4 goals and was a true leader, a real captain. He's someone who brings a level of experience that no other player in world football has. Cristiano can get to 200 games with his country. You need someone like that in the dressing room".

"I was appointed the 9th January and I had six weeks to meet the 26 players who went to Qatar. It was amazing to meet them all and see what different roles they had in the dressing room being from different leagues. I had the chance to meet the people behind the footballers", he ended.