Ian Wright gives Cristiano Ronaldo a ‘reality check’ after Portugal’s brutal Euros exit

Should Cristiano Ronaldo consider retiring from international football? Ian Wright and Roy Keane think that the No.7 doesn't have what it takes to cut it at the highest level anymore.

Ian Wright gives Cristiano Ronaldo a ‘reality check’ after Portugal’s brutal Euros exit

Despite an underwhelming tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo has his sights set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Via IMAGO)

Cristiano Ronaldo had a tournament to forget at the 2024 Euros. Portugal were anything but impressive as Ronaldo and co. were knocked out of in the quarter finals by France on penalties. Besides singling out a crucial penalty missed in the Round of 16, Ronaldo failed to score even once throughout the tournament. In the aftermath of his mediocre performances at the Euros, many believe that it’s time for the player to call time on his International career.

Ronaldo is currently 39 years of age. The Portuguese captain however, has expressed his desire to continue playing up until the 2026 FIFA World Cup! While the No.7 can break a number of records if made possible, football pundits Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Gary Neville all feel that the player should opt against it. In a recent episode of Stick to Football, the trio shared their thoughts on why Ronaldo shouldn’t play another international tournament.

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What I saw of Ronaldo is that he can't cut it at this level now. As good, fit and driven that he is, he can't quite get a shot in or get past a defender.
Ian Wright told Sky Sports on Stick to Football : The Overlap Special

Wright also added that Diogo Jota deserved a start over the veteran and that Portugal have themselves to blame for their underwhelming campaign in Germany.

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Related : Jude Bellingham becomes Ballon d’Or favorite once again after Vinicius Jr’s Copa America exit

Roy Keane claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘holding people back’!

Cristiano Ronaldo is undeniably one of the all-time greats. Despite being a living legend, the 39-year-old has been at the wrong end of criticism for mediocre performances at the Euros. Zero goals to his tally coupled with Portugal’s elimination gave pundits all the more reason to target the veteran. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane opined that Ronaldo may even be holding other players back by being on the pitch.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs France
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his final Euros campaign with zero goals to his name (Via IMAGO)
He can carry on playing, just not internationally. Part of football is to step back and let other players learn. You could be holding people back and that's not good for the bigger picture.
Roy Keane told Sky Sports

Gary Neville chipped in, adding that Ronaldo might need someone else to tell him that he hasn’t got what it takes to perform at this level anymore.

Ronaldo will return to Al-Nassr’s camp after spending some time off from football. The player is still in pursuit of his first Saudi Pro League title after finishing second to both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. He is still at the very top when it comes to scoring goals, having finished the 2023/24 League season with an impressive 35 goals!

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