"We have to appreciate what he does" - Roberto Martinez details what 'exemplary' Cristiano Ronaldo brings to the Portugal NT

Roberto Martinez has once again heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo, explaining why the legendary forward remains such an important figure in the Portugal national team.

Ronaldo, 40, despite having passed his prime, has continued to demonstrate his importance to the national team, particularly through his goal-scoring prowess. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made his debut for Seleção das Quinas in 2003 and has since been the figurehead and catalyst of a new era for the Portugal national team, leading them to unprecedented success and major international trophies.

He recently led Portugal to their second Nations League glory in June, making them the country that has won the competition the most times. In what will probably be his last appearance on the international stage, Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he confirmed will be his last appearance in the tournament.

Speaking as a guest on Canal 11’s Total Football Program, Martinez lauded Ronaldo’s impact on the national team, saying that his attitude is worthy of emulation.

“We have to see what Cristiano does to the opponent. With him on the field, there are two players who are hampered,” he said. “The important thing is to use the space he creates, and we have to use his experience inside the area. Cristiano's problem is that everyone has an opinion and doesn't watch the game.

“We evaluate all players equally. Cristiano's current attitude is exemplary. All the players in the starting eleven are hampered. We have to appreciate what he does; he's been with the national team for 21 years. What Cristiano transmits to new and older generations is something unique. We tried to make it seem natural, because it's a matter of respect.”

Before Ronaldo made his national team debut, Portugal had no major trophies but with him they have won three, including the European Championship and two Nations League titles.

When Cristiano Ronaldo said he’d rather play only for Portugal

In October, Cristiano Ronaldo was honored with the Globo Prestigio award at the Portugal Football Globes gala for his 22 years of representing the national team. While addressing the crowd after receiving the honor, the forward revealed how much it means for him to wear the national team jersey, saying he would gladly quit club football if it meant only playing for Portugal. He said:

“I don't see this trophy as the end of a career, but rather as a continuation of everything I've done, my entire career. I've been with the national team for 22 years; I think that speaks for itself: the passion I have for wearing the jersey, for winning trophies, for playing for the national team. I often say: if I could, I would play football only for the national team; I wouldn't play for any other club because it's the culmination and the peak of a football player.”

To date, Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal's most capped player (226) and all-time top goal scorer (143).