Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said skipper Cristiano Ronaldo will hold the key for the national team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup despite injury concern. Ronaldo, who is expected to captain Portugal in what would be a record sixth World Cup, is currently out of action with a hamstring problem.

“Cristiano is our captain, a role model and a player with a real hunger,” Martinez said.

“He’s not just a 41-year-old player; he’s a player who’s hungry to improve every day. He’s proving to be an exemplary captain and an inspiration to the younger players, someone who shows the way and embodies our values.

“And on the pitch, he’s scored 25 goals in the last 30 games. We assess the players on a day-to-day basis, session by session, and the standards in the national team are the highest for everyone.”

Meanwhile, Portugal were without the services of Ronaldo for the World Cup friendly games against Mexico and the United States. Ronaldo has all the experience under his belt and he is going to hold the key for Portugal.

The talismanic striker has achieved all the records and trophies in his glorious career but the World Cup title is still missing in his glittering cabinet.

Martinez said Ronaldo’s injury is not serious and he would be back in action next week.

“He has a minor injury and will probably be back playing and training next week” he said. “It’s nothing serious. Cristiano is our captain; he’s a very important player. He was our captain in the Nations League and plays a huge part in the team’s final third, that movement in the box.”

Asked about Ronaldo’s future, Martinez said. “The end of his career? We don’t know. “It’s hard to say. I’ve quickly learned not to try and predict the future with Cristiano. He focuses on being the best he can be right now. He doesn’t make plans for the future.”