Antique road show or inspirational farewell tour? Split opinions. The truth is that Ronaldo is still relevant.
A long look at CR7's longevity. Contains Messi.
Antique road show or inspirational farewell tour? What to make of Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championship journey, taking in Frankfurt last night, and heading to another sold-out arena in Hamburg this Friday? It’s generating plenty of reviews, not many of them favourable.
It is easy to depict the 39-year-old’s quest for glory across Germany as an exercise in self-absorption, taking the limelight away from Portugal’s many younger talents, even holding the team back. Would Portugal be better off in attack with Goncalo Ramos, the 23-year-old Benfica forward who’s been on loan at Paris St-Germain? Quicker, more mobile. Or Diogo Jota. Ronaldo has undeniably become a set-player, looking for crosses, dead-balls or 10-yard runs and shots. He’s become a master at directing his remaining energy, like a skilled F1 driver steering a fabulous old racing car home.
Many observers out here are alienated by the preening, the tears, and his dominating the narrative in a team sport. But even as Ronaldo heads down sunset boulevard there are reasons still to admire him. Yes, he’s not scored for eight tournament games. Against Slovenia in Frankfurt, Ronaldo took three free-kicks, only one of which needed Jan Oblak to save, a ferocious strike which found a gap but was straight at the keeper. He went through one-on-one but Oblak read the situation, came out, spread himself and saved. Ronaldo had his extra-time penalty saved by the outstanding Oblak. The tears flowed.