Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off preparations for the Nations League with a frank and open press conference as the Seleção squad assembled at the Cidade do Futebol on the outskirts of Lisbon.
Ronaldo and Roberto Martínez came in for harsh criticism after Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 by France, but the 39-year-old articulated an alternative point of view, saying expectations were unrealistically high and opining that the team played a good tournament.
Scorer of 130 goals for his country, Ronaldo also said he has no intention of retiring from the international game, adding that the criticism directed his way only spurs him on.
Tom Kundert rounds up the main quotes.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has announced the squad for next week’s Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland in Lisbon.
In an interview with Portuguese football website zerozero, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez assessed the performance of the Seleção at Euro 2024, answered questions about his use of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, and talked about several individuals in and around the squad.
It was fun while it lasted. Portugal are out of Euro 2024 after losing to France on penalties in the quarter-final.
Portugal’s European Championship dream ended against Les Bleus in Hamburg last night. Roberto Martinez, perhaps wisely at this juncture, opted for stability rather than ingenuity with the same XI taking the pitch as did Slovenia.But despite inspired performances from Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Pepe, the Seleção could not break through a French side which has only allowed one goal through five matches.Conversely, Portugal were held scoreless in their final three matches of the tournament as Martinez, like Santos and others before him, was found unable to assemble the right mixture of youth and experience to take the game by force.
