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.
The way Cristiano Ronaldo made this Euros about himself, at 39 years old without scoring a single goal, is a stunning failure of the Portugal national setup. How they let him control his playing time at this level of productivity to cater to his massive ego is why they’re out.
— Chris Wittyngham (@ChrisWittyngham) July 5, 2024
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.
HOW DID CRISTIANO RONALDO NOT SCORE?!?!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 5, 2024
WHAT A CHANCE TO POTENTIALLY WIN THE MATCH FOR PORTUGAL IN EXTRA TIME pic.twitter.com/dZgb0cnm7I
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.
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