Cristiano Ronaldo affirmed today that “something very special and positive is felt” in the Portuguese team with the arrival as coach of Roberto Martínez, and assured that he is “well shot and prepared to play” under the orders of the Spanish coach.
In a press conference prior to Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Liechtenstein, Cristiano analyzed the first days under Martínez, who has brought “fresh air” to the squad.
“What we experience in the national team is very positive. It feels something special and positive. The intensity is very good, it’s different. I am sure that the national team will be prepared for whatever comes and that Portugal will be a team with more attack”, he stated.
Cristiano also highlighted the “dynamics” that Martínez brings to training: “He is always on the move, there are not many stops. Always connected, that’s how I like it, that’s how I am in life”.
On a personal level, Cristiano said he was “very happy to come back and be able to help Portugal”, and that his “motivation is intact”. “I love playing with the national team (…), if they think I am an asset, I will always give my best. This is my house and I feel very good here ”, he asserted. Now at Saudi Al Nassr, Cristiano, 38, promised that he is “well rounded, ready to play.” “I feel prepared,” he said.
Ronaldo reflects on his 2022 scandals
Cristiano Ronaldo also addressed his controversial departure from Manchester United at the end of 2022, and assured that this stage of his life “was a pretty big learning experience”, but that he is now “a better man”.
“Everything that happens in life has a reason for happening. I am grateful that I have been through some things in life so that I can see who is on my side, ”she said. The Portuguese star maintains that “there is no time for regrets”: “Life goes on and, whether I have done it well or not, it has been part of my growth.”
“When you’re on top of the mountain, you often can’t see what’s below. Now I am more prepared and that learning was important, because I had never gone through that, like in recent months. Now I’m a better man,” he commented.
Cristiano also talked about his relationship with Spain, the country of origin of the new coach – “a culture with which I identify a lot” – and recalled that it was where his children were born during his time as a Real Madrid player. “It is a culture that means a lot to me,” he stressed.
