Ronaldo still playing as if he were '20 years younger', says Portugal's Martinez

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said on Monday that Cristiano Ronaldo "continues to play as if he were 20 years younger" and stressed that he is an "example" for his team-mates and opponents alike.

"Cristiano is a player who, on his own, is always motivated. It has always been the example he has set during his long career," the Spaniard told a news conference in Ljubljana, where they face Slovenia on Tuesday.

Portugal's captain and top player recently joined the squad's training camp, where he "showed freshness and a hunger to be there", according to the coach.

In addition, the match against Slovenia, the last preparation match before the final squad for the European Championship is announced, will be "an important game to see Cristiano on the pitch".

"He is still playing like he is 20 years younger. It's important for us to make the most of this mix of generations of players," said Roberto Martínez.

The former Madrid player's presence will also be significant for the younger members of the Portuguese national team, "who will also have the experience of sharing a dressing room with him".

The 39-year-old Cristiano did not feature in Portugal's 5-2 win over Sweden, but will be one of the new additions to the squad against Slovenia, alongside Barcelona's Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.

Roberto Martinez predicted a "great test" against Slovenia, who are "a threat, especially on the counter-attack". "They are a team that tends to make it difficult for their opponents," he said.

 

March 25, 2024