'Nobody gets into the national team just by having a name' - Roberto Martinez insists Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal squad 'on merit' despite Saudi Arabia move

Martinez stressed that he picks nobody on reputation and that Ronaldo's prolific season in the Saudi Pro League was fully worthy of commanding a place in Portugal's squad. The Al-Nassr star scored 44 goals in all competitions last season.

Ronaldo took his club career out of Europe at the end of 2022 and, despite his advancing age, has seen his goal numbers shoot back up in a less competitive league. Yet, at the same time, Ronaldo was the second top scorer in all of Euro 2024 qualifying.

"Cristiano is in the national team on merit. Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games - consistent with his club in his league - and he scored [10] goals in our qualification rounds," Martinez said.

"He's a goalscorer and, for us, he's someone who can make that final move. He can stretch defences and open spaces. Over the years, he has changed his way of playing slightly, but I can only say that Cristiano is in the national team on merit and the numbers are there to back that up."

Ronaldo fell out with former Portugal boss Fernando Santos in the wake of being benched for the knockouts rounds of the 2022 World Cup, having known each for two decades prior. He has vowed to "respect the coach's decisions" this summer.

Portugal begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Czechia on Tuesday. Martinez has generally chosen to start Ronaldo when available throughout his time in charge, only leaving the five-time Ballon d'Or winner out of recent friendlies due to a quick holiday squeezed in after the end of the Saudi Pro League season. The expectation remains that he will start now the tournament is here.