“Sometimes it’s not the players who know when to retire” - Cristiano Ronaldo sent warning about ‘issue’ over Portugal retirement by ex-PL star
Former West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo continuing with Portugal. He said that while the legendary striker might not impact the game now, the manager might still not bench him due to his status.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal in their UEFA Nations League Group A clash against Croatia on Thursday, September 5. There was speculation about his future following a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. He could only provide an assist in the tournament as A Selecao were eliminated in the quarter-finals by France on penalties.
The 39-year-old, however, confirmed that while it was his last Euros, he isn't retiring from the national team yet. Sharing his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo's decision, Shaka Hislop said on ESPN FC:
“First of all, let me say I applaud Cristiano Ronaldo for staying on [with the national team]. While all of us have certainly criticised his performances and questioned whether he should be a part of the Portugal squad, retirement is a very personal decision. He’s the only one who can take it.
“We can comment on it, but I have no problem with him saying that he wants to continue. I think the challenge comes, as we’ve been discussing earlier with the likes of Ronaldo and Messi, and where it’s so different from any other player probably in the last two or three generations, is just their standing. Their impact in the game."
Hislop said that even if Cristiano Ronaldo isn't contributing at his highest level, he might want to continue with Portugal. He added that manager Roberto Martinez doesn't seem like the manager who would be able to ask the veteran to take a backseat if required. Hislop said:
“Now Ronaldo being who he is, being all that he represents to Portuguese football, if he’s not contributing at a high enough level, but still refuses to step away from the squad, I don’t think Roberto Martinez is in no position to say, ‘I’m not picking you’. That’s the issue here.
“I just don’t think he’s that manager, I don’t think he has the standing in football, let alone Portuguese football, to say, ‘Cristiano, thank you very much but I’m not picking you in the squad’."
He concluded:
“As a result, Ronaldo will be the one making that decision. In the interview, Ronaldo says he’ll be the first to know when it’s time to retire. But sometimes I feel it’s not the players who know it first [when to retire]. Players at Ronaldo’s level, they could be like, ‘if I just get this one thing right, I’ll be back to where I once was.’”
Cristiano Ronaldo has the most appearances (212) and goals (130) in international football.
Luka Modric opens up on facing Cristiano Ronaldo in Nations League
Luka Modric, 38, will captain Croatia as they face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League. The duo spent six years together at Real Madrid, winning numerous trophies.
Ahead of the Nations League clash, Modric spoke about seeing Ronaldo again and said:
"It will be nice to see Cristiano Ronaldo again. It's always a pleasure. I'm happy he continues with Portugal, for everything he has done and for what he means to them. He's one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player of Portugal. It will be a joy to play against him."
Ronaldo and Modric shared the pitch 222 times at Real Madrid, combining for 16 goals. They won four UEFA Champions League trophies together, among other honors.