“He can’t get past a defender now” - Arsenal legend insists Cristiano Ronaldo ‘can’t cut it’ at international level after Euro 2024 disappointment
Arsenal Legend Ian Wright recently slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for his performance at Euro 2024, insisting that the legendary Portuguese striker 'can't cut it' at international level anymore. The Al-Nassr striker played in his sixth Euros this summer but had a poor tournament, making him the target of intense scrutiny.
Ronaldo could not find the back of the net for the first time at the Euros and the 2016 winner left with only one assist in five appearances.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Ian Wright insisted that Portugal should be disappointed about leaving the continental tournament so early. He said:
"Portugal should be very disappointed about that [going out of EURO 2024] simply because of how good their team is – when you look at them from defence to attack."
"The way he [Cristiano Ronaldo] played in EURO 2024, as great as he's been, surely Diogo Jota must be disappointed that he couldn't get on that pitch."
The Arsenal legend concluded, saying:
"What I saw of him [Cristiano Ronaldo], he can't cut it at this level now. As good as he is, as fit as he is, as driven as he is, you can see he just can't quite get it out of his feet to get a shot in, the movement with a header, he can't get past a defender now."
Euro 2024 will be Ronaldo's last appearance at the European Championships. Despite his disappointing campaign, he will remain one of the greats in the history of the Euros after establishing himself as the highest all-time goalscorer in the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirms Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship appearance
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that Euro 2024 will be his last appearance at the Euros. Notably, he will be 43 years old during Euro 2028.
The Al-Nassr striker had a poor showing at the tournament, managing only one goal contribution in the competition, a sign that the once-deadly striker is past his best.
Speaking to RTP after his country managed to beat Slovenia in the round of 16 on penalties, the legendary striker said:
"Without a doubt it's the last Euros [for me], of course it is. I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people's passion."
It remains to be seen if Cristiano Ronaldo will still vie to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal following his recent loss of form for his nation in the last two tournaments.