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24 November 2022, Qatar, Doha: Soccer: World Cup, Portugal – Ghana, Preliminary round, Group H, Matchday 1, Stadium 974, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal runs across the field after the kick-off. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)

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24 November 2022, Qatar, Doha: Soccer: World Cup, Portugal – Ghana, Preliminary round, Group H, Matchday 1, Stadium 974, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal runs across the field after the kick-off. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Soccer’s domestic season has come to an end, and it’s time for the international break. Players around the world are now focused on their national teams. In Europe, countries are currently campaigning for the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers. Cristiano Ronaldo, too, went back to his beloved country to represent his side.
The Portuguese captain, along with his fellow teammates, gathered up to help their nation in the qualifying process. In the latest game, Roberto Martinez’s side faced off against Bosnia-Herzegovina. While they managed to win the fixture, CR7 couldn’t get his name on the scoresheet. However, his manager eventually backed the skipper.
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Portugal manager hails ‘exemplary’ Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal rallied for a 3-0 win against Bosnia. A late first-half goal from Champions League winner Bernardo Silva and a second-half brace from Bruno Fernandez led ‘A Seleção’ to victory. While everyone must be happy to see the scoreline, many would have surely missed Ronaldo’s name on the scoresheet.
However, his coach was full of praise after the match. As stated by Bola Na Rede, in the post-game interview, he said, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s commitment is exemplary. As captain, Cristiano is an example of how to always be available for the national team, he is a unique player in world football.”

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Soccer Football – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers – Group J – Portugal v Liechtenstein – Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal – March 23, 2023 Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Martinez insists the 38-year-old is a leader for the team and is a perfect example of dedication. “He is very important for our values in the locker room. His attitude without the ball was very good and I am very satisfied because the pass to Diogo Jota was an example of a player who wants the best of the team.”
Indeed, Ronaldo must be thrilled to hear such words from his manager. It is remarkable to see the Al Nassr man come up when his nation calls him. Although, eyebrows were raised when he was called up, given that he plays in a different league now. However, the manager doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.
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Perfectly fine to see him play for Al Nassr
Martinez addressed the ongoing discussions about Ronaldo’s participation in non-European club soccer and his selection. But the manager expressed his lack of concern about the matter. In a press conference, the former Belgium manager put an end to all the speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s potential involvement in the Roshn Saudi League.

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 09: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr in possession during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah on March 9, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
According to the manager, playing outside of Europe actually benefits the Portuguese player. Although he didn’t provide specific reasons, Martinez expressed admiration for Ronaldo’s vast experience and unwavering dedication to the game.
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