Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has praised the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo after netting in their UEFA Nations League final penalty shootout victory over Spain, Afrosport reports.
The 40-year-old made it two goals in two games for the Selecao in the finals when he levelled the scores for 2-2 in the 61st minute which ultimately went into penalties.
The Portuguese won the shootout 5-3 to hand them their second Nations League title after winning the maiden edition in 2019.
“We are a team, and the captain is very important. A captain with the kind of experience he has is essential to create the values to show personality,” Martinez said.
“A team like Spain was ahead in the scoreboard twice, but the captain, he’s got a lot of experience. We used his experience, we used his strength, and we’ve shown that we’re ready to win.”
Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes, commenting further about Ronaldo’s contribution to the team, said: “We’re very happy for him, another title. He fully earned it. He helps us on and off the pitch, he gives us a lot of advice, to myself and other teammates.
“We need to have him in the group, he’s very experienced, he’s got a great attitude, he’s got a winning mentality and he’s very good. He’s a role model for young people in the national team and that will help us grow in football.”
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The 2025 Nations League triumph sees Ronaldo win his third international title with Portugal after lifting the Euro 2016 championship in France.
