Roberto Martínez, coach of the Portuguese national team, has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to be part of the national team, even at the age of 39. In an interview with TVI/CNN Portugal, the 50-year-old Spanish coach revealed that Ronaldo, who will turn 40 in February next year, will be among those called up for the clashes against Croatia and Scotland in the opening game of the Nations League.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is available. He is playing for his club. The physical data and the information we have on Cristiano are very good. He is a player who always shows a great attitude and is very important for the team,” explained Martínez.
Despite the disappointment of the last European Championship, where Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals, Martínez promised a “better and more prepared” team for the Nations League. He also downplayed the issue of Ronaldo’s age, highlighting the importance of national team experience.
“Experience is very important when it comes to national teams. We can’t talk about age. Pepe, for example, had an impeccable European Championship. The dressing room is always better when there is experience,” the coach reinforced.
So, Cristiano Ronaldo fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the star still has a crucial role to play in the Portuguese national team, even after the age of 39.
