"He can do exactly the same thing" – Cristiano Ronaldo backed to take inspiration from Portugal teammate by ex-Premier League rival
Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to emulate Portugal teammate Pepe and continue playing until he turns 41 to appear at the next FIFA World Cup.
Ahead of Portugal's UEFA Euro 2024 opener against Czech Republic this Tuesday (June 18), Gallas was asked if the 39-year-old striker would play at the 2026 World Cup. He replied to Prime Casino (h/t GOAL):
"I think he will. He will be 41 when the next World Cup comes around, but if you look at the shape that he's in and the goals that he's scoring, then I don't see why he won't be targeting that as well. Look at Pepe. He's 41 and playing at this tournament... he will be the oldest ever player to appear at an European Championship."
Suggesting that the ongoing Euro would not be Ronaldo's last major international tournament appearance, the Frenchman concluded:
"Ronaldo will be looking at his inclusion and will think that he can do exactly the same thing. This tournament won't be the last dance for him... his last dance will be at the World Cup in two year's time."
The Al-Nassr striker, who netted 44 goals in 45 matches for his club last campaign, has made 207 appearances for Portugal so far. He has featured in five World Cup campaigns and five Euro tournaments so far.
The ex-Manchester United man has played alongside Porto centre-back Pepe 344 times in his career. He has shared the pitch with the 41-year-old in 241 outings for Real Madrid and 103 appearances for Portugal.
Czech Republic great Karel Poborsky says Cristiano Ronaldo might struggle at Euro
Speaking recently to The Czech News Agency, Karel Poborsky stated that Czech Republic would have an advantage should Cristiano Ronaldo start for Portugal on Tuesday. He said (h/t Metro):
"I have been saying for a long time that he will be one of their weakest links. The fans of both teams will go crazy for him, but at his age, he is not as good for building the game and pressing as his younger teammates. So, our team would rather him start. Hats off to him for what he has achieve... thanks to his enormous self-confidence. But you can't stop age, he is 39."
Despite registering 57 goal contributions in 45 matches for Al-Nassr in the 2023-24 season, Ronaldo is thought to have lost a fair share of his athleticism. He could be benched in favor of others at Euro 2024.
However, the forward relished a brilliant time out for Portugal in his last match. He bagged a brace in his national team's 3-0 friendly win over Republic of Ireland last Tuesday (June 11).