by When Cristiano Ronaldo steps onto the pitch for the final time in a European Championship on Friday, he will do it with tears of gratitude in his eyes.
From Roberto Martinez, the head coach of Portugal, who likely has more knowledge about the situation than anybody else at the moment but may also have a personal incentive to bully Ronaldo ahead of the team’s pivotal Euro 2024 semifinal matchup against France.
And from his friend Kylian Mbappé, who many feel is in a position to unseat Ronaldo as the most well-known player in European soccer but who is in Hamburg, where a last-four spot is up for grabs.
Ronaldo’s Euro career would end with a French victory. Following the team’s round-of-16 victory over Slovenia via penalty kicks, the superstar forward revealed to Portuguese television that he would not be playing in four years when the competition is held in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.
What happens to his international career, including whether he tries to play until the 2026 World Cup, and his engagement with the Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr are yet unknown.
Martinez has faced criticism for his decision to start Ronaldo in the starting lineup for each and every Euro 2024 match, but he has stood by his decision. He has frequently mentioned how important Ronaldo is to the team because of his expertise and goal threat.
At a press conference on Thursday, he went one step further and provided some uncommon insight into the mindset that Ronaldo brings to the training field and how it inspires the rest of the Portugal team.
Martinez said, “It feels like a new day every day to me.” ” It’s crucial to observe a player who has accomplished everything, holds numerous records for goals scored, number of national team games played, and surprising levels of youth.
As a result, it represents someone who strives to compete and succeed every day for the national team. When someone commits today, regardless of his past behavior, you feel privileged.”
Regarding the French striker Mbapp, his respect for Ronaldo dates back to his early years. He used to watch many YouTube videos of Ronaldo playing, place pictures of him on his wall at home, and generally try to imitate him in every way.
Ronaldo is well on his way to accomplishing this, having already won a significant competition at the 2018 World Cup (he won the 2016 Euros). He joined Real Madrid this summer.
“It’s the admiration I’ve always had for Cristiano, for the player,” Mbappé stated. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with him frequently and grow to know him over time. We remain in Tuucac.
Portugal and France have seen differing degrees of success en route to the quarterfinals. Mbappé broke his nose in a clash with defender Kevin Danso during France’s opening match, a 1-0 victory over Austria.
He returned wearing a mask for a 1-1 draw with Poland after missing the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands. Surprisingly, considering its weaponry, France hasn’t scored in the tournament from open play; Jan Vertonghen’s own goal against Belgium in the round of 16 sealed the victory.
Portugal defeated Turkey in their opening match, won it against Czechia with a late winner, and lost to Georgia despite resting several players—but not Ronaldo.
The most dramatic night of them all occurred on Tuesday when, aided by goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s heroics, Ronaldo converted a kick in the triumphant shootout despite missing from the spot in extra time against Slovenia and crying heartily.
Martinez’s reference to the statistical research his backroom staff employs was the closest he has come to making the claim that he needs to see more from Ronaldo. With twenty shots, Ronaldo has more than any other player in the competition, but he still hasn’t scored.
POSTED BY SOCCERFORYOU
