Roberto Martinez named new Portugal boss as the former Belgium manager spoke on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo in the team.
Former Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has been named the new manager of the Portuguese national team.
The former Everton manager left his role has the Belgium head coach shortly after their disappointing campaign at the World cup.
Martinez has now replaced former head coach Fernando Santos, who had 8 years spell as the country’s head coach.
“I’m very happy to be here, I’m delighted to be able to represent one of the most talented teams in the world,” Martinez told a news conference on Monday.
“From the first time I met the board and the president, I knew that this was the project I wanted. I understand that there are high expectations and goals, but I also understand that there is a large group of people working to meet our goals.”
When asked about Ronaldo’s future role with the national team, Martinez said: “Decisions have to be made on the pitch. I’m not a coach who makes hasty decisions. I want to meet everyone, and starting today, I want to talk and get to know all the players.
“Cristiano is part of that list, he spent 19 years with the national team and deserves respect, let’s talk. From there, it’s up to me to make the best list for the European Championship. Tomorrow we’ll start working, getting to know all the players, and Cristiano is one of them.
“We are going to start a footballing process to try to get to know all the players that could be part of this selection. We are going to give all the players an opportunity and respect all those who are already in the squad. Cristiano is one of them. It’s a process that we have to face naturally, with responsibility, and we’re going to make important decisions for the team.”
