2024-07-07 23:41:34
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said that no player’s personal decision in international football has been finalized yet. Martinez said this when asked if Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe will be seen in Portugal’s jersey again.
Portugal left the Euro on Friday (July 05, 2024) night. They were eliminated from the quarterfinals by losing to France in a tiebreaker. Pepe was the oldest footballer at this year’s Euros. Ronaldo was number two. They confirmed that they will not be seen in another Euro after four years. But will they play in the 2026 World Cup? Or will they be seen again in the jersey of Portugal? That is the big question.
Ronaldo is now 39 years old. 41 of Pap. Both of them left the farewell stage yesterday in tears. “It’s uncomfortable to see tears in their eyes,” Martinez said of them. Pepe is the role model of Portuguese football. What he did tonight and throughout the tournament will be a role model for the next generation.’
In response to the question whether they will be seen in the jersey of Portugal again, the manager of Portugal said, ‘No, it has not been discussed yet. It’s not an ideal time either. We are still thinking about the loss. No personal decisions have been discussed at the moment.’
Ronaldo was on the field from the start. But he did not get any goal after playing five matches. After being goalless in the group stage, it seemed that CR Seven would see a goal in the pre-quarter or quarter. But the Portuguese superstar remained unbeaten in two knock out matches. The former Real Madrid forward also missed a penalty shootout against Slovenia. But he got more chances to score. But they did not score. Ronaldo took a total of 23 shots on goal. But could not hit a single target. Which is the highest for any player.
Still, Martinez didn’t say much when asked why he gave Ronaldo a chance match after match, saying, ‘He’s keeping the team organized. At the moment his presence is giving us confidence.’
Meanwhile, former Portugal defender Joe Fonte said, ‘They all know this is their last chance in the national team. So the maximum has been given. Where else will they go from here?’