Coach Roberto Martinez confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will still be Portugal’s captain in Euro 2024.
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On the evening of May 21, Portugal officially announced 26 names participating in Euro 2024. It is not surprising that the name Ronaldo appeared first on this list. Thus, CR7 has participated in the Euro finals for the 6th time, a record that no other player has been able to achieve until now. This will also be Ronaldo’s last Euro with Portugal.
When asked about his current relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez simply replied: “He is our captain”. So it can be confirmed that CR7 will continue to wear the captain’s armband at Euro 2024.
In the most recent major tournament, the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo was not allowed to play from the start in Portugal’s two knockout matches. There are a number of reasons why CR7 is not always guaranteed a starting spot on the national team and Portugal needs another captain.
However, coach Roberto Martinez still puts all his trust in Ronaldo. More than a player, CR7 is also a symbol of Portuguese football. The former Man Utd star wearing the captain’s armband is considered the default. Without Ronaldo on the field, Portugal still has an experienced player who can take on this role: midfielder Pepe, who is about to have his 5th Euro.
Roberto Martinez believes Ronaldo will contribute goals for Portugal (Photo: Getty)
Explaining the reason for calling Ronaldo, the Portugal coach shared: “Ronaldo? It’s better to talk about the data. He scored 42 goals in 41 matches for the club. That is proof. for his stability and physical ability, in addition to his finishing skills in front of goal that we really love and need.”
The Portuguese team will warm up for the tournament in Germany with friendly matches against Finland, Croatia and Ireland in June. Ronaldo and his teammates will then face Czech, Türkiye and Georgia in the Euro 2024 group stage.
