Paulo Bento has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to be remembered as one of the game’s greatest ever, even if he does not win a tournament with Portugal.
The Real Madrid man is gearing up with his national side for a World Cup qualifying play-off against Sweden next month for a place at Brazil 2014.
However, even if his country fail to reach next summer’s tournament and he never wins a major competition at international level, Ronaldo will remain one of the game’s greats, according to Portugal’s Coach.
“Eusebio was never a world champion nor a European champion with the national team and we are talking about two of the best players in world football history,” Bento considered to reporters today.
“They will be for many years as two of the best in the history of Portugal. Ronaldo is a tremendous player that will mark an era.
“I do not believe that to remain as one of the world’s best players ever, and especially the best in Portugal, that he needs to win a major competition.
“Ronaldo as captain? There does not seem to be any pressure. He has taken it on normally.
“He has accumulated experienced with the national team and his club and that has been very important for him. And when he took such a role he was still very young. True, he still is, but he is a more mature player, more experienced.
“Not only has he been an example in terms of play and leadership, but he is highly respected by his peers. We are extremely happy with everything he has done as part of the national side.”
