"Age doesn't play a part because it's a short tournament" - Roberto Martinez lauds experienced Portugal superstar
Roberto Martinez's Portugal are sitting pretty at the top of Group F after the first two matches of Euro 2024 with six points to their name. With knockout qualification assured, Cristiano Ronaldo's side will face Georgia in their final group-stage fixture on June 26 (Wednesday).
Ahead of the match, Roberto Martinez talked about his side's last group-stage fixture in a press conference. The manager also discussed the performance and fitness of one of the most important players of the side, central defender Pepe.
When asked about the veteran defender's age and fitness, Martinez said that Euro 2024 is a short tournament and age isn't a major factor. What matters is the individual player's fitness and history of injuries.
"Everyone has individual management and age doesn't play a part now, it's a short tournament. They count injuries, minutes, what the season was like. We have a lot of information now, many days together. It doesn't make sense to look at age," commented Roberto Martinez (via Ojogo).
Pepe had a fantastic game against Turkiye on June 22. The ex-Real Madrid defender was at the end of most threats thrown at the Portuguese defense by Vincenzo Montella's outfit. He was substituted in the 83rd minute and finished the match with a staggering 97% passing accuracy.
Roberto Martinez confirms Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion in starting eleven for Portugal vs Georgia
Roberto Martinez also confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will start Portugal's last group stage match against Georgia despite the side having already qualified for the knockout stages.
Martinez raved about Ronaldo's consistent season and explained that he didn't want to rest him and break the rhythm.
"The captain will be in the starting eleven. He played a preparatory game, he had a very consistent season, with a lot of minutes and, to continue with the rhythm, it is not good to stop and then reactivate Diogo and Ronaldo will be in the eleven," Martinez said.
Cristiano Ronaldo provided his eighth assist in the Euros in Portugal's last match against Turkiye, making him the joint-highest assist provider alongside Poland's Karel Poborsky. Furthermore, Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in the history of the competition, making him the highest goalscorer in the Euros.