Martinez: Ronaldo’s hunger to win is unparalleled, and it was his brain, not his age, that decided his retirement

November 25 News Recently, as a guest analyst on the "Sky Sports" Monday Night Football program, Portugal coach Martinez talked in detail about Ronaldo and why he is still an important asset for Portugal even at an age when most players have long since retired.

Martinez said: "Obviously, everyone has their own opinion about Ronaldo. What I see is that when we win and Ronaldo scores one or two goals, the question from the media is: 'What do you do when Ronaldo is not there? The team relies too much on him.' And when Ronaldo doesn't score, the question is: 'What do you do when you have a 40-year-old player in the team? How to win? ’”

“For us, it’s easier than people think. He’s playing because he’s scored 25 goals in the last 30 games. His record is incredible when he comes to the national team training, he is a role model in terms of professionalism, physical management and working hard to improve himself every day. Coupled with his pride in playing for the national team. He is the only male player in the history of the world to play 227 international games."

"There are also factors involved in the national team that no one can take their place for granted, and Cristiano brings more than just that. Goals, he has changed, he is no longer the 18 or 19-year-old winger we saw at the beginning, and his attitude and desire for the national team. As long as he stays like this, he is an infectious and positive force in the dressing room."

After everything he has achieved in his career, Martinez pointed out that Ronaldo is still determined to continue to improve himself. His body is in great shape and the only thing that might change everything is his mentality.

The Portuguese coach continued: "He has become a terminator in the penalty area, a specialist player, and this comes from his desire to constantly improve. I have always thought that it is the body that retires players. But when I see Ronaldo training, I am convinced that it is the brain that truly retires players. His body will follow him. "He is not for others, but for himself. When we analyze players, we can talk about any aspect, but we never analyze the hunger of any player I have ever seen." He won't be as hungry as he was before. I don't know if it's natural or something he cultivates, but he just doesn't want to let himself down. "I don't think he has anything to prove anymore. He plays for himself and the people he loves, not to prove anything." No one is wrong. He has achieved enough to become a legend."

However, although he continues to score frequently for Portugal, including scoring in this summer's UEFA Nations League final, his performance in major international competitions is surprisingly average compared to the overall standards of his career.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar only scored 8 goals in the five World Cups (22 games) he participated in. His data in the European Cup was slightly better, scoring 14 goals in 30 games, but he only scored 22 goals in more than 50 major competitions, which is relatively inferior compared to his status as holding the world men's national team scoring record.