Ronaldo On Portugal Opportunities At Euro 2024 And Relations With Coach Martinez

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is with his teammates. (X/@selecaoportugal)

JAKARTA - Cristiano Ronaldo remained a pillar of Portugal when he was 39 years old. In fact, he is optimistic about Portugal's chances at Euro 2024. Ronaldo also gave a warning to his teammates to respect every decision of coach Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo is clearly the most senior and influential figure in the Portugal national team. Although there are still Pepe defenders who are 41 or above Ronaldo, the team still respects the Al Nassr star.

Even though he is a star player, Ronaldo has great respect for Martinez. In fact, he has a close relationship with the former Belgium national team coach.

"I am physically and psychologically ready. I have made the best possible preparations because I am 100% professional," Ronaldo said. "I am always ready to help the country. But I fully respect the coach's decision," he said.

As a senior, Ronaldo knows very well that Portugal is still a star team. Many famous players have achieved success in big clubs.

How not, Ronaldo must lead stars such as the Manchester United duo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot who clashed with Manchester City who sent Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes. In addition, there are Liverpool forwards, Diogo Jota.

From Man City there was still Joao Cancelo who last season was loaned by Barcelona. Likewise Joao Felix, an Atletico Madrid player who was borrowed by Barca.

Portugal and a group of star players also became one of the seeds at Euro 2024. But Ronaldo must be able to unite them.

The former MU and Real Madrid star hopes the players will continue to respect Martinez. Whatever the decision. Even the player who has played 207 times and scored 130 goals is ready if Martinez holds back.

Ronaldo had clashed with the previous coach, Fernando Santos. He also sat on the bench several times. When Portugal lost to Morocco 1-0 in the quarter-finals, Ronaldo was only played in the second half.

At that time, Ronaldo's career in the national team was predicted to be over. However, Martinez, who was appointed to replace Santos, immediately stated that Portugal still needed Ronaldo.

He returned the armband to the legend. This is what makes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner respect the coach.

When asked about Portugal's chances and his status as a seed, Ronaldo, who has competed in the European Cup six times, compared it to the 2016 World Cup which was also held in Germany.

At that time, Selecao das Quinas was able to reach the semifinals and then ranked fourth. Now, he wants Portugal to reach a higher position.

"It's really fun. All the way is full of supporters from Portugal and Germany. This reminds 18 years ago. I have a good memory here and it's beautiful," he said.

"Are we also going to reach the semifinals? I hope more than that. But we have to step by step. We have to be calm and work hard," said Ronaldo, who made his debut at Euro 2004 and led Portugal to win Euro 2016.

Portugal, who are in Group F, started the fight against Rep. Czech, June 19, 2024 in the morning WIB. Then they met Turkey and Georgia.