Speaking to The Guardian of Ronaldo and when he could walk away, Martinez said: “We have to accept there’s a debate because there’s only one Ronaldo, a historic icon who changed football: get in a lift and the conversation is the weather or Ronaldo.
“Everyone has an opinion but it’s based on a perception of Ronaldo, a period of him. The biggest error people make is not analysing him today. After the Euros it was: ‘Portugal didn’t win because Cristiano’s playing.’ We win the Nations League and it’s: ‘What will Portugal do when Ronaldo retires?’
“I always thought it was the body that retires a player, but it’s the head. Cristiano’s head hasn’t taken that decision at 40, 41. An elite player is not the talent, it’s the mentality, the resilience.
“He’s not the Manchester United or Real Madrid winger; he’s a No. 9 in the area. We depend on him to open spaces, score goals. Cristiano’s last three years in the national team were earned, day-by-day: he’s scored 25 in 30 games. I evaluate talent, experience, attitude today, and decisions are never taken in an office; they’re taken on a pitch, football takes them.”
Martinez got an early taste of Ronaldo’s mindset after being handed the reins of Portugal. He added on sounding out the five-time Ballon d’Or winner: “When I visited Ronaldo, I wanted to know how he felt. Players over 30 start to think that maybe the international break is a moment to breathe, regenerate. But Ronaldo’s attitude is always: ‘I’m here for the national team, whatever you need.’”