Alan Shearer feels Martinez didn't have a choice but to field Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo is competing in a record-breaking sixth Euros tournament but has already stated that it will be his final participation. The 39-year-old led Portugal to the quarterfinals after defeating Slovenia on penalties in the round of 16. Ronaldo burst into tears as Jan Oblak saved his penalty in extra time.

Once he was well again, he apologised to the audience for his actions during the penalty shootout. The player, who formerly played for Real Madrid and Manchester United, has not scored in the competition, and both fans and pundits find his acts irritating.

Shearer, a former England captain, has been critical of Ronaldo's role as the primary character. According to England star Alan Shearer, Roberto Martinez was obligated to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal team for Euro 2024 because he had no other option. After all, it was an unwritten norm. But he is confident that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would continue to lead the line since Roberto Martinez "doesn't have a choice" but to stick with him.

 Cristiano Ronaldo is key player of Portugal squad

“I don’t think Martinez has a choice – Ronaldo has to play. We saw that in the third game (of the group stage) when Portugal had already qualified, only three players started from the original 11 and Ronaldo was one of them,” Shearer told Goal. “But Roberto Martinez has no choice, if Ronaldo is fit, then he continues to play. I’m afraid that’s the rule,” he concluded.

Throughout the Euro 2024 competition, Ronaldo has been an invaluable member of the Portugal squad. He is still trusted to play as a starter. However, CR7 has been unable to display his fangs since he has not been allowed to register his name on the scoreboard.

Even in multiple matches, the 39-year-old star was frequently seen as having made insignificant contributions, prompting many to argue that Ronaldo should be benched when the team faces France on Saturday (6/7) early morning.