Roberto Martinez explains why Portugal still need Cristiano Ronaldo as he points to Al-Nassr star's insane statistics in Saudi Pro League after naming him in Euro 2024 squad

Ronaldo has been named in Martinez's Portugal squad for Euro 2024, with the 39-year-old set to feature in his 11th major international tournament. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has made 206 appearances for Portugal and scored 128 goals and will hope to add to his tally in Germany. Martinez made it clear that Ronaldo deserves his place in the squad despite his advancing years due to the form he's shown in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo will be gunning for another title with Portugal after helping the national team win Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League in 2019. The veteran is one of seven forwards in the squad as Martinez has also selected Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao.

He told reporters: "As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it's better to talk about statistics. A player who scores 42 goals in 41 games for his club shows continuity, a physical ability to always be fit and quality in front of goal that we really like and need.

"We don't make choices based on where the players play. We want to create the best team and call the 26 players who make up the best team. We monitor the players' individual performance and role that they have in the locker room. There are players who have secondary roles in important locker rooms and others who have important roles in less strong locker rooms. Since March 2023 until now, we have a lot of information."

Martinez's side will warm up for the tournament with friendlies against Finland, Croatia and Ireland in June. Portugal then go on to face Czechia, Turkey and Georgia in the group stages of Euro 2024.