“If you take Cristiano Ronaldo out, who are you going to put in?" - Quaresma claims Portugal compatriot 'has to play all the time'
Former Portugal attacker Ricardo Quaresma believes superstar Cristiano Ronaldo had to start every game for the national team at the ongoing European Championships. Speaking to Portuguese outlet Renascenca, the ex-Sporting CP and Chelsea man questioned who could replace the Al-Nassr man in the lineup.
Quaresma said:
"For me, and I don't say this because I'm a friend of his, I say this as a fan: he has to play. Because, if you take Cristiano Ronaldo out, who are you going to put in?"
When asked about options like Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos, he added:
"They are good players, but the respect is different when you go in with Cristiano. He may not have one day, but just because he's there saying number seven and Ronaldo, the respect is already different. The opponent is already a little shaky, because at the slightest mistake he finishes. So, for me, you have to play all the time. As long as he's there, he has to play all the time. It doesn't mean he has to play the full 90 minutes, but he has to come on from the start. But that's my opinion, I'm not a coach either."
While Ronaldo has not scored in either of Portugal's two opening fixtures, the 39-year-old has had decent showings in the side's two wins to begin their Euros 2024 campaign. He provided a selfless assist to Bruno Fernandes in their 3-0 win against Turkiye and remains a capable and potent threat leading the line for the Selecao.
Ronaldo is an undoubted icon in the nation's history. He has made 209 appearances, scoring 130 goals, which is the most of any male footballer on the international level.
Portugal coach expresses security concerns after fans invade pitch to take photos with Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez claimed that security for players needs to improve after the side's 3-0 win over Turkiye. This comes after star attacker Cristiano Ronaldo was interrupted on multiple occasions by pitch invaders looking for selfies.
Speaking after the game, he said (via press conference):
“It is a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good. I think that we all love a fan who recognises the big stars who are icons in their lands."
“I think we all agree with that, but you can understand that it is a very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong. Then the players are exposed and we need to be careful with that. Probably there is a lot of security and protection and I don’t think it should happen.”
Pitch invaders caused issues in the fixture both during and after the game. It began midway through the second half when the Al-Nassr man was approached by a young kid.
With the result, Portugal secured qualification to the knockouts. After wins over Czechia and Turkiye, they look like a solid side and will be expected to go far in the tournament.