Roberto Martinez has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo is still being picked by Portugal at 40 years of age, with CR7’s greatest attribute highlighted.
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All-time great showing no sign of slowing downBoasts record-setting hauls of caps and goalsIntends to grace another World Cup next summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Having made his senior international debut in 2003, Ronaldo continues to be selected by his country some 22 years later. Unsurprisingly, a number of records have been broken over the course of a quite stunning career.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo has 217 caps to his name and 135 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. There is the promise of more appearances and strikes to come, with CR7 showing no sign of slowing down.
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He remains a talismanic presence for Portugal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with it his intention to reach 1,000 career goals before giving any thought to retirement. With that target in mind, the plan is to grace the 2026 World Cup finals.
GettyWHAT ROBERTO MARTINEZ SAID
Portugal boss Martinez has told the of why he continues to call upon the evergreen five-time Ballon d’Or winner: “When I talk about a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, I also evaluate him on the basis of these three key aspects. His talent is indisputable; he is one of the best in the history of football. His experience is also unique: the only player to play in six European Championships and to have more than 200 international matches.
“But what stands out the most is his commitment. His passion for representing Portugal is contagious and motivates the entire team. He is not in the team today for what he has been, but for what he continues to be: the top scorer with 17 goals in the 21 games we have played in two years.”