Portugal midfielder provides response when asked if Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for 2026 World Cup

Portugal midfielder Vitinha has made a claim about superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo's availability for the national side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star assured that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be in the squad for the tournament.

Vitinha was one of the best performers Selecao at the 2024 European Championships but couldn't prevent them from crashing out in the quarterfinals. Ronaldo scored in both of his nation's penalty shootouts after both games ended 0-0. It came in a 3-0 win over Slovenia in the Round of 16 and a 3-5 loss to France in the quarterfinal. However, he failed to score from open play at the tournament, even missing a penalty.

The 39-year-old drew a lot of flak from fans and media, with many claiming that he is holding his nation back. However, Vitinha believes that the legendary forward is still an integral part of the team and will maintain his importance in the squad until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on French media outlet RMC's podcast, Rothen s'enflamme, the 24-year-old said (via ZAP):

"39 years old and still a starter for the national team, I have no explanation for this longevity. I imagine it's the professionalism he has in everything he does. Every morning, every night, every day of his career, it's incredible. I imagine the effort and sacrifices he must make and has made and that's what keeps him going at 39."

"Fortunately, I've had plenty of years to enjoy the national team with him... but of course he's going to be at the 2026 World Cup, he's not going to give up,” Vitinha added.

In his 23 senior international appearances thus far, Vitinha has shared the pitch with Ronaldo on 18 occasions.

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"Experience is very important" - Portugal coach Roberto Martinez had defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his poor EURO 2024 showing

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez re-emphasized superstar attacker Cristiano Ronaldo's importance in the team after his side's elimination from EURO 2024.

The veteran bagged just one assist in five games at the tournament and could only marshal his side to the quarterfinals (5-3 loss to France on penalties). He had a golden opportunity from the spot to break his duck for the competition. However, he had his kick saved by Slovenia shot stopper Jan Oblak in the Round of 16.

Despite his sub-par performances, the Spanish tactician backed his megastar forward, claiming that his 'experience' was invaluable and incomparable. He said to Portuguese media house TVI/CNN after the Selecao's elimination (via ZAP):

"Experience is very important at national team level. We can't talk about age.The locker room is always better when there's experience. I don't think the lack of effectiveness was Cristiano Ronaldo's fault alone, the problem is that we didn't score, but we have to understand why."

"It was a lack of finishing from the team and not just one player. He's a player who always has a great attitude and is very important to the team," Martinez said.

Up next, Ronaldo will don his national jersey in November. Portugal will take on Poland (November 15) and Croatia (November 18) in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League.