Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be key to Portugal’s chances at Euro 2024.
Ronaldo is currently preparing for his 11th major tournament in the national team as he made his debut for Portugal back in Euro 2004.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will join the European competition after a successful campaign for Al-Nassr in which he scored 44 goals in 45 games.
Mourinho believes that Ronaldo will be the key to Portugal
Portugal is full of attacking talent and alongside Ronaldo are Diogo Jota, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix.
With the current level, there is no guarantee that the 39-year-old player will be starting to play with Portugal looking for a repeat of his success in Euro 2016, where he defeated France 1-0 in the final.
Mourinho, who recently took charge of Fenerbahce in Turkey, believes that Ronaldo will play an important role this summer.
When asked about Ronaldo’s role in the side Mourinho told RTP:
“Coach knows.”
“Cristiano is the one who knows how he feels, what his goals are, how the coach wants to use him, whether he will play every minute of every game or defend him in important moments.
“But there is a lot going on inside that brings them together, he is strong and he will score his goals.
“I don’t believe he will leave the European Championship without goals.”
The former Chelsea manager also feels that Portugal are among the favorites to win the Euros this summer.
“I think almost everyone thinks like me,” he added.
“Portugal, England, France, below them are Germany and Spain.”
Portugal under the guidance of former Everton and Wigan manager Roberto Martinez kick off their campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18, before facing Turkey and Georgia on June 22 and 26 to complete the group stage.
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