"No other player has spent 22 years with the national team" - Portugal coach hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo criticism after Armenia win

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has hit back at critics who questioned why Cristiano Ronaldo was not at the stadium during the FIFA World Cup qualifier win over Armenia. He said that the players who are not playing do not need to be in the dressing room and are free to decide what they want to do during the match.

Speaking to the media, Martinez revealed that players not in the matchday squad are not allowed to travel or be near the team. He believes that Ronaldo had the right to decide what he wanted to do with his time and said (via Ojogo):

"I would like to differentiate leadership from commitment. No one can doubt Cristiano's commitment to the national team. There is no other player has spent 21 years with the national team. Our procedure is to use the players who are in the squad to help the national team win games. I think the players who are not there don't have the same focus, they don't have the same ideas as the rest of the group."

"When the players are not in the squad, they don't stay in the dressing room, they don't stay close to the team. Not to help with leadership, but to help the players who have to be focused to win games for Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo's leadership deserves more respect."

He heaped praise on the players who defeated Armenia 9-1 in the final qualifier and said:

"Criticism is part of it, because we are all the national team. What bothers me are criticisms that are not fair or that start from lies. There are malicious attacks that come in moments of defeat, but the team's response against Armenia shows what exists in the dressing room and the team we have: a team that we can all be very proud of."

Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for the Armenia clash after getting sent off in the 2-0 loss to Ireland. He will also be suspended for the FIFA World Cup opener.

Portugal manager on Cristiano Ronaldo meeting Donald Trump

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo meeting Donald Trump, and the manager was quick to sidestep the question. He said that the Al-Nassr superstar was representing the national team and his club and said:

"Cristiano [Ronaldo], whatever his job or club, always represents the national team and the Portuguese people, wherever he is. It's good news for Portugal."

Cristiano Ronaldo was at the White House on Tuesday, November 18, for a dinner with U.S. President Donald Trump.