Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo s experience and commitment is crucial to Portugal s new cycle.
Ronaldo became the most-capped men s player of all time when he took to the field in Lisbon on Thursday for his 197th Portugal appearance.
The 38-year-old marked the occasion with two goals, scoring from the penalty spot before lashing in a free-kick to complete a 4-0 rout over Liechtenstein in Euro 2024 qualifying Group J.
Joao Cancelo put Portugal ahead early on and Bernardo Silva netted shortly after half-time, with Martinez s tenure getting off to the simplest of starts.
Ronaldo was dropped to the bench by previous coach Fernando Santos for Portugal s World Cup knock-out games, but Martinez wanted to get the five-time Ballon d Or winner into his starting XI.
It s a new cycle, Martinez told Portuguese media outlets.
It s important for a player to show commitment and [to know] that we can use his experience, and Cristiano shows that.
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal)
Posting on social media, Ronaldo expressed his pride at sending yet another record tumbling.
Such good feelings to play and score again for our national team, in a special stadium for me, Ronaldo wrote. Proud to be the [most-capped] international player ever.
Reflecting on his team s dominant display, in which Portugal had 35 attempts and accumulated an expected goals (xG) of 3.9 to Liechtenstein s 0.03, Martinez said: We have to enjoy situations like this.
I realised that when you play for Portugal it s special. The players follow that line, it was a step forward to prepare for the next game.
Of course it s an opportunity for me to get to know the players, the interaction, see how to take better advantage of the qualities. But I m left with the attitude and willingness to work. I m very proud of the result.
Portugal continue their qualification campaign against Luxembourg on Sunday.
