Martinez pays emotional tribute to Ronaldo after Portugal captain’s final World Cup | OneFootball

Departing Portugal manager Roberto Martinez paid tribute to his captain Cristiano Ronaldo after his final game in charge of the country.

Portugal’s 1-0 defeat in the round of 16 saw them exit from the World Cup, with Ronaldo having already revealed ahead of the game that this would be his last World Cup.

Martinez, who had previously announced that he would be stepping down as manager of Portugal, thanked his captain for his service to his country and called on others to celebrate the 41-year-old’s achievements.

“Just words of thanks because he has been an exemplary captain,” Martinez said. “I arrived in Portugal at a time of great confusion, of great uncertainty regarding Cristiano, and for me he has been a role model. Over the three-and-a-half years I’ve been here, it’s not just about the goals.

“The statistics speak for themselves, the assists and all that he provides inside the box for our attacking play, but its about his commitment, his day-to-day approach, and the way he lives and breathes football. He’s a role model, and I believe he’s a role model we should celebrate.

“We’re talking about a football icon. There aren’t many like Cristiano Ronaldo, and I think we’ll always be grateful for what he gave in this World Cup, because the dream was to win the World Cup and he gave it his all, setting an incredible example as captain on the pitch.

“But also on a human level, in the dressing room, amongst the players. That was something I believe all the players, the whole team and the coaching staff will carry with us forever.”