Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has opened up on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for their upcoming Nations League clash against Croatia.
Portugal will play the 2018 World Cup runners-up in Benfica on September 5.
39 years old Ronaldo was unable to score a single goal at Euro 2024.
His national team crashed out of the competition in the quarter-finals against France.
There have been calls from different quarters for Martinez to drop the five time Ballon d’Or winner but the head coach has described Ronaldo as the best frontman Portugal has at the moment.
He said there is no reason to drop Ronaldo who netted a powerful header for this club Al Nasir on Thursday and is physically fit.
He said via O Jogo, “Cristiano Ronaldo is completely available. He scored a goal today and is active and we are monitoring him.
“He is our captain. There is a lot of debate and that is normal. But the information shows that Cristiano’s physical data is very good.
“His attitude was also good. We can’t talk about age. Pepe was impeccable in the European Championship. The older ones also have the responsibility of helping the younger ones.
“In many situations he is the best Portuguese striker, although we have several with different characteristics. He is a player who can help a lot and can create spaces.”
Nations League: Portugal coach Martinez opens up on calls to drop Ronaldo
