Portugal must drop Ronaldo to win Euros — Chelsea legend
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Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal || Image credit: Imago

Portugal must drop Ronaldo to win Euros — Chelsea legend

Faruq Ibrahim 17:33 - 05.03.2024

French World Cup winner warns Portugal to axe Cristiano Ronaldo to improve their chances of winning the Euros.

In a stark warning to Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martinez, a World Cup-winning footballer has asserted that dropping Cristiano Ronaldo is imperative for the national team's success at Euro 2024.

Leboeuf's Assertion: Ronaldo's Exclusion Necessary for Portugal's Triumph

Frank Leboeuf, a former member of France's triumphant squads at the 1998 World Cup and 2000 Euros, has emphasised the necessity of omitting Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign. 

Despite Ronaldo's influential role as captain and his remarkable goal-scoring record during the qualification phase, Leboeuf contends that the veteran forward's move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr has compromised his ability to perform at the highest level.

“For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships,' Leboeuf said, per the Daily Mail.

“I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play. You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League. 

“I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone. He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I'm not sure he needed even more money.

Portugal and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo || Credit: Getty image
Portugal and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo || Credit: Getty image

“I have no problem with players coming to the end of their careers going to play in lesser leagues to earn more money, the same has happened with Lionel Messi. 

“Both of them were fantastic players but they have chosen not to play at the top level anymore and we have to respect that. You can never take away what they have done for football. The competition between those two actually made the entire sport better. It made it more attractive.”

Acknowledgment of Ronaldo's Legacy

While acknowledging Ronaldo's monumental contributions to football, Leboeuf underscores the significance of respecting the forward's decision to transition to a less competitive league in the twilight of his career. 

Despite Ronaldo's unparalleled achievements, including a record-extending 14 goals at the Euros, Leboeuf advocates for prioritising the national team's success over individual accolades.

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