Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy with the Portuguese national team has been a subject of debate in recent times. While the 40-year-old superstar has achieved incredible success with Portugal, his continued presence in the team has raised questions about his commitment to the country’s collective ambitions. Ronaldo’s recent comments, where he claimed to be willing to step aside for the good of the team, have sparked a renewed discussion about his role in the national setup.
Ronaldo’s words, while refreshing, ring hollow when examined in the context of his actions. Despite his claims of being willing to put the team first, Ronaldo continues to make himself available for selection, even when it’s clear that his presence is no longer benefiting the team. Portugal’s recent 1-0 defeat to Denmark in the Nations League quarter-final tie highlighted the need for a change in approach, and Ronaldo’s continued involvement is a major obstacle to this.
The reality is that Ronaldo’s time as a dominant force in international football has passed. While he remains an exceptional player, his abilities are no longer what they once were. His ego, however, remains as strong as ever, and this is what’s driving his continued involvement with the national team. Ronaldo’s desire to play in another World Cup, despite being 40 years old, is a prime example of this.
If Ronaldo is genuinely serious about putting Portugal’s interests ahead of his own, he needs to take a step back and assess his role in the team. Continuing to play for Portugal will only serve to further damage his legacy, as his declining abilities will inevitably lead to more defeats and disappointments. By retiring from international football, Ronaldo can repair some of the damage that’s been done and allow Portugal to move forward without the burden of his ego.
Ronaldo’s comments about being willing to step aside for the good of the team are nothing new. He’s made similar claims in the past, only to continue playing and dominating the spotlight. This time, however, it’s different. Ronaldo is 40 years old, and his body is no longer capable of performing at the same level as it once did. He needs to recognize this and take the necessary step to allow Portugal to thrive without him.
The 2026 World Cup in North America is looming large, and Portugal needs to start building towards it without Ronaldo. The team has a talented young core, and with the right guidance, they can achieve great things. Ronaldo’s continued involvement, however, will only serve to hinder their progress. It’s time for him to put his country before his ego and retire from international football.
By doing so, Ronaldo can repair some of the damage that’s been done to his legacy and allow Portugal to move forward without the burden of his ego. It’s a tough decision, but it’s one that needs to be made. The question is, will Ronaldo put his country before his ego, or will he continue to prioritize his own interests? Only time will tell.
Source: Africa Publicity
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