Roberto Martinez fears for Cristiano Ronaldo's safety as fans pitch invade Portugal vs Turkey Euro 2024 clash
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that he is worried about Cristiano Ronaldo's safety after fans invaded the pitch during a 3-0 win against Turkey at the UEFA Euro 2024.
Earlier this Saturday (June 22), Portugal registered their second straight triumph at the Euro 2024. Bernardo Silva netted the opener in ther 21st minute before Samet Akaydin put the ball into his own net seven minutes later. Bruno Fernandes scored his team's third goal after finishing Ronaldo's square pass in the 55th minute of the contest.
However, a big talking point emerged when the Portugal captain posed for a selfie with a young boy 20 minutes from full-time whistle. Later on, five other supporters also got on the pitch to meet the veteran striker.
At a post-match press conference, Martinez shared his thoughts on Ronaldo being swarmed with fans during Portugal's recent Euro 2024 win at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. He said (h/t Metro):
"It's a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good. I think we all love a fan who recognises the big star and the big icons... but you can understand that there is a very, very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong."
Silva, who is a Manchester City star, also pitched in and commented:
"[It is] the price we pay for being so recognised in the world of football and having a player like him with us."
Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo's recent assist sums up Portugal's approach
Portugal and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has asserted that his team are focused on winning every contest at the UEFA Euro 2024. Opining on his goal against Turkey, he said (h/t Metro):
"The goal for me, for Cristiano, and for everyone, is to win matches, not to score goals. Our goal is to win. The most important thing is to win every game. We want to beat Georgia so we can be in good shape. Playing for Portugal means winning every game."
Revealing why Cristiano Ronaldo passed him the ball, Fernandes said:
"Obviously everyone loves and wants to score goals, but that is not the most important thing, and that is reflected in my goal, because Cristiano is our best goalscorer and in the moment of opportunity to score he gives the ball to the side, and that shows the meaning that this has for us, which is to win games... not scoring goals."
Ronaldo, 39, is yet to open his account at the ongoing Euro 2024. But, he has laid out one assist in two starts for Portugal in the group-stage.
Portugal, who have lifted the Euro trophy once, will next face Georgia in a Group F encounter in Gelsenkirchen this Wednesday (June 26).