Portugal is set to kick off their campaign at the UEFA European Championship in Group F against the Czech Republic on Tuesday. In a recent press conference, coach Roberto Martinez emphasized that team captain Cristiano Ronaldo secured his place in the national squad \"on merit.\"
\"Cristiano is in the national team on merit,\" Martinez stated. \"Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games – consistent with his club in his league – and he scored nine goals in our qualification rounds.\"
Ronaldo, who was benched by former coach Fernando Santos during his last two major international appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has made a significant impact since joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia after departing Manchester United. The 39-year-old striker, known as 'CR-7', scored an impressive 50 goals for his current club in the past season.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
