ROBERTO MARTINEZ gave a defiant response after being asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal squad.
Ronaldo, 39, made history this week by becoming the first player to feature at six separate European Championships.
After starting for Portugal against Czech Republic on Tuesday, he also extended his record of most appearances (26) in the competition.
However, some fans have questioned if he will be able to feature in every match for his country this summer due to his age.
A journalist put the query to Martinez ahead of Portugal’s match against Turkey, asking if it makes sense to play Ronaldo for 90 minutes throughout the tournament.
But the manager responded: “Can I ask you a question? Do you know how many minutes Cristiano played last season? Do you have experience?
“There is no other player in the history of football who has played six Euros.
“It is important to understand what a player brings. Cristiano brings experience, he brings… Opportunities to goal and a way to open spaces.
“Cristiano is in the national team because he deserves to be here. Just look at what he did and what he has done in recent competitions.”
Ronaldo played 3,975 minutes of football for Al-Nassr this season, making 45 appearances.
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How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.
He also scored 44 goals and provided 13 assists for the Saudi Pro League side.
Ronaldo issued a message to his team-mates and fans on social media ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opener.
He wrote: “Portuguese, today begins another chapter in our history.
“I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories.
“Now I have the honour of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination.
“With everyone’s strength and support, we can turn dreams into reality.
“Let’s fight together for another triumph. United we are unstoppable. Go Portugal.”