Ronaldo told brutal snub could be crucial to Portugal winning Euro 2024
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has been urged to drop Cristiano Ronaldo from his squad for Euro 2024.
Ronaldo captained his country to winning the Euros back in 2016, though he was forced off through injury just 25 minutes into the final of that tournament. The superstar remains a key player for Portugal despite currently featuring in the Saudi Pro League.
He starred in their qualification for this summer's tournament in Germany, scoring 10 goals and notching two assists. Ronaldo has also kept hold of the captain's armband since Martinez took over as manager a year ago.
But Martinez has now been told that Portugal can only win the Euros if Ronaldo is dropped out of the team. Franck Leboeuf, who won the World Cup and the Euros with France, is adamant the end of Ronaldo's international career has been reached.
"For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play," Leboeuf told BetVictor.
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"You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League. I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone.
"He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I’m not sure he needed even more money! It annoys me when I hear Cristiano Ronaldo saying that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1.
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Ronaldo captained Portugal to winning Euro 2016 (AFP/Getty Images)"Why do you think he chose to make that comment about Ligue 1 rather than the Portuguese League? It’s because Lionel Messi played in Ligue 1. I have lots of respect for him as a player but come on, just shut up! It is unfair to Ligue 1."
While Leboeuf is adamant that Ronaldo needs to be dropped, boss Martinez has backed his captain. The Spaniard recently hailed the Al-Nassr star, insisting he is still at the top of his game.
"I've worked with many, but what sets Cristiano apart is the need to always be prepared to be the best. A contagious hunger, but very difficult to achieve. We have already won once. We are lucky to be able to play with four generations," Martinez told RTVE.
"Winning a European Championship has to do with the details of the day- It's a very demanding tournament, but what matters are the details," he said. France produces players at a volume that no other country can.
"England has a coach who created a club culture within the team. Belgium has a generation that is very competitive. And you can never leave out Italy, competitive for nature. And Germany, having a difficult period, but in 'their tournament' they can be champions."
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