“There’s a reason why he’s playing in Saudi” - Ex-Premier League star tells Cristiano Ronaldo he’s hindering Portugal despite 900-goal milestone
Former England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is holding Portugal back. His claim comes on the back of the Portuguese scoring his 900th goal in professional football.
Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the headlines after scoring for Portugal in their UEFA Nations League match against Croatia. With this goal, the 39-year-old became the first men's player to cross the 900-goal milestone.
The Portuguese star achieved the milestone in the 34th minute of the match, meeting Nuno Mendes' cross with a perfectly timed volley beyond the Croatian goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic.
Despite his spectacular record, former Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor feels that Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't have what it takes anymore to play among the elite.
"There’s a reason why he’s playing in Saudi Arabia, there’s a reason why he got let go at Manchester United, there’s a reason why he’s not playing in Europe," Agbonlahor made the sensational claim on TalkSPORT.
Manchester United reportedly terminated the Portuguese's contract in November 2022, post which Cristiano joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
"Cristiano Ronaldo hindered other players at the Euros" - Agbonlahor
The player-turned-pundit said that the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner is hindering other players from performing to their potential. He cited the recently concluded European Championships where Portugal crashed out in the quarter-final as an example where Cristiano wasn't at his best.
"If you watched him in the Euros, we forget don’t we, that he didn’t do anything. He probably hindered other players being played. I think him playing that many games probably cost Portugal," he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to create an impact at the 2024 Euro. He failed to find the back of the net despite taking 18 shots in the tournament. Ronaldo assisted one of the five goals Portugal scored in the competition before exiting in the quarter-final.
Agbonlahor questioned if Cristiano Ronaldo has got what it takes and hinted at him making way for others.
"I know people will say that’s harsh and it’s not his fault, but you know, you had your time. You’ve still got what it takes, but have you got what it takes at the highest level any more?" he questioned.
He added that Portugal do not lack attacking talent but they are unable to showcase it properly due to the inclusion of the record goalscorer in the starting eleven.
"I just think Portugal have got so many exciting players that were left on the bench during that Euros," Agbonlahor added.
Liverpool's versatile forward Diogo Jota and Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos had their playing minutes reduced due to the 39-year-old starting all of Portugal's matches at the Euros.