Roberto Martinez has bizarrely claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's assist against Turkey should be "shown in every academy in world football".
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Ronaldo gives unselfish assist to FernandesMartinez full of praises for the assist Says the moment should be shown in football academies getty imagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo hasn't had the best of Euros so far as he has failed to live up to the billing for Portugal while the team has performed consistently around him. However, when the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had the chance to open his Euro 2024 goalscoring account after racing through one-on-one with Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, he decided to set up Bruno Fernandes for the easiest goal of his life. Portugal boss Martinez has heaped praise on Ronaldo for his unselfish act, and also claimed that the rare moment should be shown around the world to upcoming footballers.
AdvertisementGetty WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
Speaking to the media, Martinez said: "From Cristiano, we saw something spectacular.
"To have him, an out-and-out goal scorer, pass the ball for the assist. It was a pure moment of Portuguese football that should be shown in every academy in world football.
"It showed that the team is the most important thing, that it means more than scoring any goal."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo holds the record for the most shots taken (9) in the current edition of the Euros so far. However, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker has failed to score and he will wait for his moment as he looks to lead Portugal to their second European Championship victory.
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
The five-time Champions League winner could once again be a starter for Martinez's side when they take on Georgia on June 26, having already booked their spot in the round of 16.