Dismissing questions about the age of the seasoned forward, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has declared Cristiano Ronaldo will play against Scotland in their forthcoming UEFA Nations League game.
Turning 39 next February, Ronaldo started in Portugal’s 3-1 triumph over Poland on Saturday, scoring his team’s second goal before being replaced following the hour mark. Though rumors indicate the Al-Nassr star might be rested for the Glasgow game against Scotland, Martinez has made it very clear Ronaldo is still a major component of his plans.
Martinez on Ronaldo’s Fitness
Speaking at a press conference, Martinez downplayed concerns about Ronaldo’s age, emphasizing the forward’s exceptional physical condition and work ethic:
“I think the age of a player doesn’t come to play. Ronaldo doesn’t work as a 39-year-old player. He doesn’t play certainly as a 39-year-old player,” Martinez explained. “Cristiano has been working really well in this camp. The difficulty of playing two games away from home is more about how you prepare and recover between the two games.”
