“This should be shown in all training academies in the world” - Roberto Martinez reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo assist for Bruno Fernandes vs Turkiye
On a night when Portugal climbed to the top of Group F with a 3-0 win over Turkiye (June 22), Cristiano Ronaldo was lauded for his presence of mind and selflessness in front of goal. The 39-year-old produced a solid performance as Portugal cemented their position in the knockouts of Euro 2024.
In the post-match press conference, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez raved about the Portuguese talisman and declared that his 55th-minute assist for Bruno Fernandes should be shown in footballing academies across the world.
"About Cristiano Ronaldo, today I saw something spectacular. In front of the goalkeeper, he preferred to pass to Bruno Fernandes. This should be shown in all training academies in Portugal and the world," Martinez said.
The manager further commented on the longevity of Pepe and lauded his training style and mentality.
"If I were a neutral fan watching the game and saw Pepe play, I wouldn't believe it. The way he plays, the way he trains, the way he competes," he said.
Pepe, 41, was one of the outstanding performers in Portugal's win over Turkiye. The veteran FC Porto defender was at the end of almost every cross thrown into the penalty box by the opposition attack and even managed to clinch the ball off 19-year-old wonderkid Arda Guler in the 73rd minute of the game.
Pepe left the field in the 83rd minute with a standing ovation from the Signal Iduna Park crowd and was replaced by Antonio Silva.
Pitch invader seems to put arm around Cristiano Ronaldo's neck to get a selfie in Portugal vs. Turkiye match
A number of pitch invaders were seen breaking the security protocols and entering the field during the Portugal vs Turkiye match at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday. One even appeared to put his arm around Ronaldo's neck for a selfie.
Video can be seen below via football commentator Ertem Sener's X:
Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to fans going gaga over him and even smiled for a selfie when a pitch invader evaded several stewards and reached the Portuguese talisman.
However, Ronaldo and other players grew increasingly irate as the match had to be stopped for multiple pitch invasions in the dying minutes. By the end of the game, a total of six pitch invaders had to be escorted off the field by the stewards.
Although no player or staff was harmed, these incidents have raised a serious security concern and investigations will surely be in order. In another UEFA security breach, pitch invaders were even seen entering the pitch during the Champions League final at Wembley earlier this month.