The Ball – Scolari recalls the role of veterans in Ronaldo’s growth: «Figo, Pauleta…» (Portugal)

Counting down to the start of the World Cup, Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to their fifth title in 2002, spoke about the growth of the Portuguese national team, which he also coached between 2003 and 2008.

“It was not possible to anticipate everything that happens (success) with Portuguese players and coaches, but it was possible to notice a growth in selection. You could see the atmosphere in the country, and how people were concerned about everything the national team needed, from teams to football schools. I see all this with good eyes, of course. During that period, I was also part of a group that began to lay the foundations for everything we see in practice today: there were many demands, many studies, and they generated a lot of knowledge, ”he began by saying in an interview with FIFA that the Brazilian, who recently announced the end of his career as a coach.

Scolari also earned Cristiano Ronaldo’s first call-up to the senior national team.

“I remember that boy I played in 2003 with a huge will, very strong discipline with himself, and it was that demand that made him get better every day. I will always remember that boy who never let himself be beaten by anything. Someone you enjoy being with, because he’s amazing in every way – on the outside, you don’t know who he really is. I think now, at the end of his career, he will still give Portugal a chance in Qatar. I hope he finishes (his career with the national team) in a very beautiful way,” he said before leaving Al-Islah:

“It was a pleasure working with him, but I also had in Portugal people like Figo, Pauleta and other great players who supported Cristiano at the beginning of his career with selection, from 2003 to 2004. His development was facilitated by a group of very talented veteran players ».