At the Portugal Football Summit held in Lisbon, coach Roberto Martínez commended Cristiano Ronaldo as a worldwide role model for discipline, ambition to win, and exceptional professionalism in football.
Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martínez, offered special praise for captain Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portugal Football Summit event held in Oeiras (Lisbon). The Spanish strategist emphasized that despite being 40 years old, CR7 still demonstrates an extraordinary desire to win and remarkable discipline.
“I have worked with many geniuses, but I have never seen anyone like Cristiano Ronaldo. His hunger for victory is unbelievable. Every morning, Ronaldo sees it as a new opportunity to improve, to win, to become better. He is truly unique, and I can’t put it into words,” Martínez shared at the event.
Roberto Martínez stated that the Al Nassr forward remains a key figure in the locker room, not only because of his professionalism but also due to his sense of responsibility. For Martínez, Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy goes beyond statistics and records. He highlighted CR7’s adaptability and sustained influence even in the latter stages of his career:
“He always knows how to help the team. Ronaldo doesn’t need many words to inspire; his work ethic and competitive spirit say it all. He is always the first to pay attention to every small detail to gain an advantage. That sets an example for everyone,” the Spanish coach added.
Having managed Wigan Athletic, Everton, and Belgium, Roberto Martínez believes Ronaldo’s leadership plays a vital role in maintaining unity and a winning culture within the Portuguese national team: “It’s wonderful to see how his attitude spreads to others. What Ronaldo shows on the pitch is just a small part of the value he brings to the team,” he emphasized.
Alongside his praise for the player, Martínez also shared his views on the differences between coaching at club level and national team level: “At a club, you are like a teacher, but with the national team, the psychological aspect is crucial. The working time is limited, so it’s important to create an environment where players feel that representing their country helps bring out their best version,” he explained.
The Portugal Football Summit, running until October 11th, gathers many prominent figures in football such as Deco, former stars like Pepe, and representatives from famous clubs including Atlético de Madrid and Athletic Club.
With heartfelt compliments, it is clear that Roberto Martínez regards Cristiano Ronaldo not only as a symbol of Portugal but also as a global example of professionalism and an unquenchable desire to win.