Diogo Jota has refused to criticize Portugal’s use of Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024 , despite Roberto Martinez’s reliance on the 39-year-old denying the Liverpool star his own opportunities.
Jota played just 97 minutes during the tournament in Germany, with all of his appearances coming from the bench. Ronaldo , meanwhile, played more minutes (486) than any other Portugal player.
That’s despite the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star failing to score in any of his appearances, while facing criticism that his presence was holding back a squad filled with quality in practically every position.
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Portugal would end up going out at the quarter-final stage following a penalty shootout defeat to France. Jota wouldn’t even make an appearance during that game, despite having looked bright in all of his other runouts.
The Liverpool forward though wasn’t prepared to delve into the issue when speaking with reporters during the Reds’ tour of the United States. Jota though did admit to feeling frustrated at being left on the bench during the quarter-finals.
"I don't have much to say about it,” Jota said (via the ECHO ). “I think we could have gone all the way but we lost in the quarter-finals. I'm always ready to help my country. It wasn't required so you get that frustration from feeling that you could have helped.”
With Ronaldo now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, and set to be in his 40s by the time the World Cup arrives in 2026, there has been speculation that the Euros may have been his last international tournament.
"I am not sure about, I am not sure what he told about his last tournament,” Jota said. “But he has been an inspiration for me since his early days, since I can remember.
"He is an icon and won the Ballon d’Or multiple times. He was a reference for me. I was glad to share a dressing room with him and learn everything I could for him. I will thank him for that."
Liverpool.com says: Jota might not want to say too much about it, but we will. Martinez’s over-reliance on Ronaldo was simply ridiculous. Anyone watching Portugal during the Euros could see he was having a detrimental effect, given the lack of work he was doing compared to his teammates.
Starting him was perhaps understandable, but keeping him on for the duration of the games was nonsensical. Jota should definitely have been handed more minutes, especially considering how bright he looked when he actually got the chance.
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