Image source, Getty Images
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez says “no individual decisions” have been made on the international futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe after their loss to France at Euro 2024.
Both players have been a regular feature in the Portugal side throughout the tournament, with 39-year-old Ronaldo playing every minute of both the shootout win over Slovenia in the last 16 and the defeat on penalties by France in the quarter-finals.
Pepe has also made history at the tournament, becoming the oldest player in European Championship history aged 41.
The pair shared a long embrace on the pitch after Friday’s loss, with Pepe in tears as Ronaldo consoled him.
“His tears are frustration,” said Martinez. “Pepe is a role model in Portuguese football. What he did tonight and in the tournament will stay with us for the next generations.”
When asked whether the two players had just featured for Portugal for the final time, Martinez answered: “No. Everything is too raw. We are still suffering the defeat.
“There’s no individual decisions at this point”
More shots than any other player – but no goals
Ronaldo has endured a difficult tournament, with his place in the side constantly questioned as he failed to score in any of his five appearances.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was left in tears after missing an extra-time penalty after Slovenia – although he made amends by scoring in the shootout as Portugal went through.
But he again cut a frustrated figure during the defeat by France – and now there are doubts over whether he will play for his country again.
“They probably know it’s the end of the line in the national team, perhaps. Where do you go from here?” former Portugal defender Jose Fonte told BBC Sport.
“They’ve achieved so much, they’ve done so much for Portugal, sometimes you just have to give your place to the young boys coming up and let them show their talent.”
Ronaldo’s stats at Euro 2024 do not make for good reading.
- It is the first time Ronaldo has failed to score at a major international – with Euro 2024 his 11th.
- He has not scored in open play at a major tournament since the group stage of the last Euros in 2021.
- He had 23 shots in Portugal’s five games at Euro 2024 – more than any other player – and failed to score.
- His expected goals across all fives games is 0.692
Despite his struggles in front of goal manager Martinez has resisted the urge to drop him to the bench.
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton says Martinez has an “obsession” with Ronaldo and shows a “lack of imagination” by keeping him on.
Ronaldo is managing the team and Martinez isn’t when you have options like they do on the bench – he is hampering them,” said Sutton.
Danny Murphy added: “It does seem ridiculous at times that he keeps Ronaldo on when he is having no impact.”