Cristiano Ronaldo calls out 'lack of respect' for Roberto Martinez as he insists Portugal boss 'has done an extraordinary job'

Ronaldo praised the job Martinez has done in charge of Portugal and noted the Spanish coach's passion and commitment to the country as a key measure of his success in charge. The legendary forward added that he did not understand why people continue to criticise Martinez ahead of the Nations League final, and expressed his belief that the former Everton boss is the right man to continue with this group of players. Ronaldo labelled the criticism as a lack of respect and argued that there were more important things than just winning.

Speaking before Portugal's Nations League final win over Spain, as per O Jogo, Ronaldo said: "If a coach reaches the final, it is because he has done an excellent job. Questioning someone who has a spectacular record for Portugal makes me confused, but I understand. If a coach gets to the final and he is questioned, imagine the others. There has been a bit of a lack of respect in this regard. Talking about other coaches is a lack of sense, but the coach has done an extraordinary job.

"Even when you win, there is this debate, but it is part of the parrots who are at home and give their opinion. What we have to say is that we are very happy with the work that the coach has done, because arriving with a different nationality, speaking our language, singing our anthem with a passion that I see, that is what I value most. The rest doesn't matter at all. The results are very positive, regardless of whether we win or not. There will always be debate, but, for me, it makes no sense at all."

Ronaldo and Martinez have a strong relationship and have often stood up for one another in public. Despite the forward's lacklustre performances drastically impacting Portugal in the 2024 European Championships, Martinez continued to select and defend Ronaldo in the face of multiple calls for the veteran striker to be dropped. They would crash out against France on penalties and many expected both Martinez and Ronaldo to be moved on. However, the pair remain and have their eyes set on next year's World Cup.

Portugal clinched their second Nations League trophy after beating Spain on penalties in Sunday's final. Ronaldo was among the scorers in normal time as the game finished 2-2, and penalties were needed after a goalless extra 30 minutes, with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saving from Alvaro Morata in the shootout before Ruben Neves despatched the winning spot-kick.