Roberto Martinez, the Portugal national team manager, has publicly rejected criticism of Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that age should not define either player's international future. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Euro 2024, Martinez stated that both veterans operate beyond the reach of public opinion and that their continued selection rests entirely on merit.
Martinez Defends Veteran Stars
The Portugal manager left little room for ambiguity when addressing questions about his two most experienced players. "Age is just a number," Martinez told reporters, a phrase that has since circulated widely across European football coverage. Modric, who turns 39 in September, continues to anchor Croatia's midfield, while Ronaldo, now 39, remains a central figure in Portugal's attacking line despite questions about his declining pace.
The Belgian coach took over Portugal's managerial role following the 2022 World Cup. His decision to retain Ronaldo as a key starter has drawn particular scrutiny, with critics pointing to the forward's struggles at Juventus and his subsequent move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Martinez, however, has shown no signs of ditching his veteran contingent.
Modric and Ronaldo Beyond Public Opinion
Martinez's phrasing was deliberate. Describing both Modric and Ronaldo as being "above public opinion," the manager positioned the debate as one rooted in metrics rather than sentiment. "What matters is what happens on the pitch," he added, according to coverage from Croatian outlet Index.hr. "Every decision I make is based on what I see during training and in matches."
This stance places Martinez firmly at odds with a growing segment of fans and analysts who argue that Portugal and Croatia must begin rebuilding around younger talent. Both nations reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, now rebranded as Euro 2024 in the delayed tournament format, but questions linger about whether their ageing cores can deliver one final push for major silverware.
What the Numbers Say
Ronaldo's international record speaks for itself. He has scored 123 goals in 205 appearances for Portugal, making him the all-time leading scorer in men's international football. Modric, by contrast, has accumulated 106 caps for Croatia across a career spanning nearly two decades. His performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Croatia finished third, earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
Yet the data tells a more complicated story. Ronaldo's goal output has slowed noticeably since his 2021 departure from Juventus. At Al-Nassr, he has maintained respectable figures in the Saudi Pro League, but critics note that the standard of competition differs significantly from Europe's top divisions. Modric, meanwhile, remains effective for Real Madrid, where he signed a one-year contract extension through June 2025.
Context: Generational Shift or Proven Reliability?
The debate over Modric and Ronaldo reflects a broader tension in European football. Nations such as England and France have integrated younger generations with increasing success, reaching finals and semi-finals at recent tournaments. Portugal and Croatia face a different calculus: their most celebrated players are also their most recognisable assets, commercially and emotionally.
Martinez acknowledged this pressure but drew a clear line. "When you have players of this calibre, you do not replace them because of a headline," he stated. The manager pointed to both players' continued ability to influence matches as justification for their involvement, citing specific performances in Portugal's Euro 2024 qualifiers as evidence.
Croatia and Portugal's Tournament Prospects
Croatia enter Euro 2024 in Group B alongside Spain, Italy, and Albania. Modric's role as a deep-lying playmaker remains pivotal to how Croatia control matches. Without him, coach Zlatko Dalic would need to restructure an ageing midfield that lacks an obvious replacement of comparable quality.
Portugal, drawn in Group F with Türkiye, Czechia, and Georgia, face a different dynamic. Ronaldo's continued presence as captain creates both unity and controversy. Some analysts argue his star power distracts from emerging forwards such as Goncalo Ramos, who impressed at the 2022 World Cup after Ronaldo's omission from the starting lineup.
Martinez's Broader Vision for Portugal
Beyond the immediate controversy, Martinez's defence of veteran players fits a cautious rebuilding strategy. The former Everton and Wigan Athletic manager has spoken about the importance of blending experience with youth, but he has shown little appetite for dramatic changes ahead of a tournament where Portugal are considered genuine contenders.
His approach mirrors comments made during Portugal's pre-tournament training camp in Oeiras, where he emphasised continuity. "We are not here to prove a point to anyone outside the squad," Martinez told Portuguese newspaper Record. "We are here to win."
Whether Modric and Ronaldo can deliver on that ambition remains to be seen. What is certain is that Martinez has staked part of his reputation on their continued involvement. If either player underperforms in Germany, the questions will return with renewed force. For now, the Portugal manager has drawn his line firmly in the sand. Both veterans will play, and both will be judged by results, not by years on a birth certificate.
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Some analysts argue his star power distracts from emerging forwards such as Goncalo Ramos, who impressed at the 2022 World Cup after Ronaldo's omission from the starting lineup.Martinez's Broader Vision for PortugalBeyond the immediate controversy, Martinez's defence of veteran players fits a cautious rebuilding strategy. Modric, meanwhile, remains effective for Real Madrid, where he signed a one-year contract extension through June 2025.Context: Generational Shift or Proven Reliability?The debate over Modric and Ronaldo reflects a broader tension in European football.
