by Basit Jamiu
Roberto Martinez, the new Portugal coach, has indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be totally excluded from his list of players he will be considering at the national team.
The newly announced coach said he will be embarking on thorough assessment with all the players.
He said he will take his time to know the players and then make his final decisions.
He also noted that the 5 time Ballon D’or winner has spent 19 years in the national team and deserves consideration and respect.
“Decisions have to be made on the pitch. I’m not a coach who makes hasty decisions. I want to meet everyone, and starting today I want to talk and get to know all the players. Cristiano is part of that list, he spent 19 years with the national team and deserves respect, let’s talk. From there, it’s up to me to make the best list for the European Championship. Tomorrow we’ll start working, getting to know all the players, and Cristiano is one of them,” Martinez said.
The coach also disclosed that there will be a footballing process and all Portugal players will be given an equal opportunity to represent the country.
“We are going to start a footballing process to try to get to know all the players that could be part of this selection. We are going to give all the players an opportunity and respect all those who are already in the selection. Cristiano is one of them. It’s a process that we have to face naturally, with responsibility, and we’re going to make important decisions for the team.”
At the age of 38, Ronaldo earlier announced that his journey in Europe had ended. The Al Nassr player is yet to make public if he will still be part of the national team.
