Roberto Martinez Credits Saudi Pro League for ‘Positive’ Influence on Cristiano Ronaldo & Portugal NT Teammates – “Able to Play at a High Level”

The Saudi Pro League has witnessed massive growth within two years. The metamorphosis was even more intense after Cristiano Ronaldo came to the Gulf country, with other European stars also treading in his footsteps. While many within the soccer fraternity raised their fingers over this exodus, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez claims it had a favorable influence on Ronaldo and his national teammates. 

With the 2024 Euros on the horizon, Ronaldo and his teammates will be aiming to reclaim the prestigious silverware after a nine-year hiatus, having last secured victory in 2016.

Roberto Martinez details the good impact of Saudi Pro League on Portuguese players 

After Ronaldo and other European stars went to play in the Roshn Saudi League, many doubted their performance and place in their respective national teams. However, Roberto Martinez insists all the Portuguese stars including Ronaldo, who decided to move to the Middle East, have made a good decision for themselves. He said, “Our experience with Cristiano, Ruben Neves, and Otavio in the Saudi League is positive for them to be able to play at a high level in the Portuguese national team.”

These are indeed huge claims from Martinez, which also debunks the fact that not participating in Europe’s domestic leagues jeopardizes one’s position in the national team. Notably, both Ronaldo and Otavio are enjoying a stellar season with Al Nassr. On the other hand, Neves is also perfectly leading Al Hilal to a scrumptious domestic run, as they sit at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Martinez earlier dropped an honest confession regarding the Portuguese skipper. 

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Roberto Martinez speaks the truth about Cristiano Ronaldo

In the interview, Martinez commended Cristiano Ronaldo for evolving and transforming into the player he has become today. While insisting all players are unique in the Os Navegadores, he branded the Al Nassr skipper as an influence. “He’s contagious; he’s a born winner. He’s been in the national team for 20 years, but he’s joining a new player with the same obsession of being the best. I think in these 20 years later he stopped being the same player.”

Martinez then added that CR7 is no longer a ‘one-on-one athlete’ when it comes to individual play. Yet, the striker’s quality of movement is ‘superlative’. Stating him as incomparable, he said, “No one had a period of 20 years like Ronaldo. Pepe is also very similar. When they’re in training, it’s as if it’s the first time they’re in the national team. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.”

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