Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has hailed the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the striker’s remarkable numbers are proof of the crucial role he continues to play for the Seleção.

READ: Fernandes: It’s Such An Honour To Play Next To Cristiano Ronaldo

The 41-year-old is set to feature in his sixth World Cup, having previously featured at the 2006 (Germany), 2010 (South Africa), 2014 (Brazil), 2018 (Russia) and 2022 (Qatar)

Heading into their World Cup opener against DR Congo, Miroslav Klose all-time top scorer record at the World Cup, with 16.

Martínez revealed that despite this being Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, he is approaching the tournament with the enthusiasm, intensity and determination of a player experiencing it for the first time.

“He is an example and a reference for football. For all those children on the street who begin to feel the love for sport, following the example of Cristiano Ronaldo is wonderful,” Martinez said.

“It is his sixth World Cup, but I can say that internally it seems to be his first World Cup in terms of intensity, in terms of emotional output, of how important it is for him to be prepared to lead the group.

“Within the team he is a vital player because he is the finisher, he is the player in the penalty area, he is the player who has those movements that can open spaces for other players. Within our attacking game, his numbers reflect the importance he has.”