Roberto Martinez has insisted that Portugal is ready to win games without the team’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
The manager made this statement after Portugal’s 9-0 defeat over Luxembourg in Ronaldo’s absence at the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier in Estadio Algarve on Monday.
Martinez also hailed Goncalo Ramos and Diogo Jota for their form during the game. Recall that Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended after picking up a yellow card in the match against Slovakia.
A brace each from Inacio, Ramos and Jota and a goal each from Ricardo Horta, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix ensured Portugal defeated Luxembourg.
Despite the absence of 38-year-old playmaker, The Navigators displayed their prowess against Luxembourg.
Speaking after the game, Martinez, noted that although Ronaldo is an important player to the team, added that Portugal can excel without him.
According to PSG Talk, Martinez said; “Gonçalo Ramos showed today what he can do, and Diogo Jota did the same.
“We need players who have the level to win games. The group is special. We don’t need to compare them. Cristiano is important, but our team is ready to win without him.”
In other news…
Nigerian singer, David Adeleke Davido has finally revealed why he prefers Portugal striker, Cristiano Ronaldo over his Argentina counterpart, Lionel Messi.
The musician cited ‘discipline’ as the reason he supports Cristiano Ronaldo over the Argentina star in the G.O.A.T debate.
Davido spoke on his preference when being questioned at Professional Footballers Association awards, after his performance with a medley of his songs when the awards marked its 50th anniversary.
The 30-year-old music executive was asked by GOAL about his thoughts on the greatest footballer of all time debate between Ronaldo and Messi, the singer said; “Cristiano for me, he is very, very disciplined.
“You know, and to have that kind of success and to be so disciplined at the same time is something I’ve always admired about him. I like both of them. But, I personally, I’m a Ronaldo guy.”
