One thing is for sure, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be able to count on his coach. Despite a complicated performance against Slovenia in the round of 16 of Euro 2024, including a missed penalty during extra time, The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was supported by Roberto Martinez after the matchThe Spanish coach, among other things, congratulated the courage of the captain of the Seleção who presented himself as the first Portuguese shooter during the penalty shootout.
« Cristiano is an example for us. He is the only player to have played in six European Championships. For someone who has already won everything, to have this kind of emotion is incredible. I thank him for being the way he is, for taking care of the group, for being someone who, after missing a penalty – let’s remember that only those who take them can miss them, and we have to give credit to the goalkeeper (Jan Oblak) – he was the first shooter (in the penalty shootout). He opened the way for us to win. We are all very proud of our captain and delighted for what he did. He taught us all a lesson, you have to live every day as if it were your last, have very high standards, and never give up. Football brings its share of difficult moments, and the way he reacted makes him an example, we are very proud of him. »
The hero of the evening, Diogo Costaalso gave a speech similar to that of Roberto Martinez, also showing a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo : « Cristiano is a person who works a lot, I understand his frustration. For us he is an example, it is a pleasure and an honor for me to be able to play with him. We are here as a family as Pepe says. We have continued to believe in our work (…) Whether it is him or me, everyone can fail. »
