Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. The striking images of CR7 in the jersey of the Lusitanian selection are legion. There were the tears on his youthful and inconsolable face after the lost final of Euro 2004. There was also his boundless energy on the touchline during the final of Euro 2016, during which he had to come off injured, then his ardent joy when lifting the cup. And of course, his iconic celebration after his countless goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo is by far the greatest player in his country’s history. He contributed to permanently establishing Portugal among the great nations of international football. Normally, he should have gone away as a hero during a farewell match in Lisbon. Alas, this will probably not be the case.
Because he decided to desert his selection in the middle of a rally. Without even taking the time to say goodbye to his teammates. All this because he feels betrayed by coach Jorge Jesus, who left him on the bench for just one match. An attitude that has nothing to do with that of a captain.
As the exemplary captain that he was for many years, Cristiano Ronaldo could have retired at the right time or accepted a less prominent role, that of a luxury joker capable of remaining decisive. This is in order to guide Portugal to the heights and further strengthen its legend.
An inevitable clash
Instead, the last few years have ended up feeling like a trap that no one seemed to know how to escape from. Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to play at all costs. Its immense sporting, media and commercial weight necessarily made its sidelining extremely delicate. And the selectors continued to start him. The clash had unfortunately become almost inevitable.
Although he has not yet officially announced his international retirement, his return to the Seleçao jersey now seems difficult to imagine. And it’s sad to see that the story ends like this.
In a few days, Lionel Messi, his historic rival, will leave the Albiceleste as a national hero, in a packed stadium. Striking contrast.
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