Portugal Manager Roberto Martinez Defends Cristiano Ronaldo's Character
Portugal national team boss Roberto Martinez has firmly insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is "very easy" to manage, despite the legendary forward's recent strike action at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. The 40-year-old superstar, who earns a staggering £488,000 per day, missed three matches after expressing fury over his club's lack of transfer spending compared to rivals.
Ronaldo's Turbulent History and Recent Saudi Drama
Throughout his stellar career, Ronaldo has famously fallen out with various managers, most notably orchestrating an explosive exit from Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. His recent strike as the best-paid player and crown jewel of the Saudi Pro League has placed him at the centre of another storm, though he has now been reintegrated into Al-Nassr's squad for their upcoming match against Al-Fateh.
This dramatic episode appears to be over, but it serves as the latest example of Ronaldo's capacity to cause chaos. However, his national team manager strongly disagrees with that characterisation.
Martinez's Full-Throated Defence of His Star Player
Speaking to BBC Sport, Martinez explained his perspective: "It is very easy, because of his high standards, his expectations of how the work should be done and his commitment to the game. He truly is an example of what you should do to represent Portugal and the national team. And now he's adapted, obviously, after 21 years in the national team - he's adjusted."
The Portugal boss emphasised Ronaldo's current value rather than past achievements: "He's a goalscorer, he's an important player for us, and it's the player that he is now that is important for me. As a national team coach, a player that has scored 25 goals in the last 30 international games... it's not that he's playing because of what he's done in the past, it's what he's done now."
The Context Behind Ronaldo's Saudi Pro League Strike
Ronaldo's frustration reportedly grew when Al-Nassr's title rivals Al-Hilal were permitted to sign his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad. According to reports, Ronaldo has been aggrieved that Al-Hilal have a net spend approximately £180 million higher than his own team since the 2022-23 season when he arrived in Saudi Arabia.
The situation was reportedly exacerbated when Benzema jokingly texted Ronaldo about receiving a pay rise by moving to Al-Hilal and declared his intention to win the Saudi Pro League again. Benzema's new side currently top the league, four points clear of Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, who sit in third place. Ronaldo is still searching for his first major trophy since joining the Saudi club in 2023.
Broader Implications for Saudi Arabian Football
Reintegrating Ronaldo is undoubtedly a boost for both Al-Nassr and Saudi Arabian football authorities, who are keen to present their league as appealing as possible to global audiences. The worst-case scenario for them would be Ronaldo departing before his contract expires in 2027.
In December, Ronaldo hinted he could finish his career elsewhere, stating: "My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe."
Saudi Pro League's Official Response
A recent statement from the Saudi Pro League shared with Daily Mail Sport suggested that Ronaldo's grievances were unfounded. The league spokesperson explained: "The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership."
The statement continued: "Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league. Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual - however significant - determines decisions beyond their own club."
The spokesperson added that recent transfer activity had "demonstrated that independence clearly."
Looking Ahead to International Duty
Ronaldo is set to play a crucial role under Martinez at this summer's World Cup in the United States, which will likely represent his final appearance at the major tournament where glory has consistently eluded him. For now, his attention returns to the Saudi Pro League, where he has created significant waves over the past fortnight with his strike action and subsequent return to the squad.
