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MLS commentator rips Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal was disappointed after the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France at Volksparkstadion. ANP

MLS commentator rips Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo after loss to France

In what's likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo's final international tournament, Portugal was knocked out of the 2024 UEFA European Championship on Friday, falling to France in a penalty shootout. Afterward, the mood was understandably melancholy, but while most offered gratitude to the star, longtime MLS commentator Chris Wittyngham used the moment to rip him. 

Wittyngham, who calls games for Apple TV and Inter Miami FC, argued that Ronaldo was not only past his prime, but selfish for choosing the spotlight over what was best for his club. 

Siavoush Fallahi of Fotbollskanalen shared a similar opinion. He acknowledged Ronaldo's incredible legacy but added that it was time to have a "grown man discussion" about his performance, or lack thereof, on the pitch.

"He doesn't score goals. He doesn't create chances. Yet he plays all games, every minute and is never subbed off," Fallahi posted on X.

Ronaldo found the back of the net during penalties against France, which may be his final international goal. Still, he failed to score during regulation time in the Euros despite recording 23 shot attempts.

The somber end on Friday felt like a goodbye from Ronaldo. Shortly after the start of the Euros, he revealed that this would be his final time playing in the tournament, creating speculation that the 39-year-old was preparing to retire.

At the tail-end of his career, Ronaldo obviously isn't the player he once was. If this is the end, it's a lackluster way to go out, but it shouldn't stain his immense impact on the game worldwide.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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