Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has expressed confidence in Cristiano Ronaldo's ability to lead the team despite a hamstring injury, stating that the 41-year-old continues to play a vital role for the national team.
Ronaldo, who is expected to captain Portugal in what would be a record sixth World Cup, has been out of action with a hamstring problem sustained while playing for Saudi Pro League leaders Al Nassr on February 28. Martinez believes Ronaldo's experience and hunger to improve are essential to the team's success.
The Portugal coach praised Ronaldo's leadership qualities, saying he is an exemplary captain and an inspiration to the younger players. Martinez also highlighted Ronaldo's impressive goal-scoring record, having scored 25 goals in the last 30 games.
Ronaldo is currently training separately at Al Nassr and could return to action next week, according to Martinez. The coach described the injury as minor and expressed confidence in Ronaldo's ability to recover quickly.
Ronaldo is the all-time men's international leading goalscorer with 143 goals in 226 appearances for Portugal since making his debut in 2003. Martinez has ruled out predicting Ronaldo's future, saying he focuses on being the best he can be right now.
When Martinez says Ronaldo is still a key player at 41, that means experience and hunger are more valuable than physicality in the modern game – and that's a worrying sign for teams facing Portugal.
