Ronaldo faces the last dance. Again.
When Portugal meet Croatia in Lisbon on Thursday, the 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo could face Luka Modric, 38, a battle for the ages. A meeting of two greats of the modern era, who have starred in tournament after tournament, old club-mates too, offers more than opportunity for a stroll down memory lane, but also a reflection of when is it time to step down and leave the stage to others.
It must be a painful decision and process, almost admitting a sense of mortality after two decades of superhuman effort. It’s what each has known for more than half their lives, that adrenalin, patriotism and physical, tactical and technical challenge of the international stage. The supremely competitive nature of both Ronaldo and Modric means they will not listen to the critics, only to their bodies on when it’s time to go.
Modric’s situation can be easily addressed. He has contemplated international retirement before but clearly still has something to offer. He’s been playing at a high level with his club. Modric has started one of Real Madrid’s matches this season and come off the bench in the other four. He still has a role to play at the world’s best team where competition is inevitably fierce. Carlo Ancelotti clearly feels Modric can still contribute on the field, and also with his example to all of his dedication to his profession.
When Dinamo Zagreb proudly posted a picture of their 20-year-old midfielder, Petar Sucic, at his first ever training session with Croatia on Monday, they used a photograph of Sucic alongside Modric. He’s the benchmark for excellence after 178 caps and 28 goals, the inspiration, the captain, the man still in the No 10 shirt in training this week. Croatia still need him.
On Sunday, Modric faces Poland and Robert Lewandowski (152 caps, 83 goals) at Dinamo’s Maksimir Stadium home. Lewandowski is still going strong at 36, starting the La Liga season in style with four goals in four games for Barcelona. Like Modric, Lewandowski is still delivering for his club and country.
Ronaldo’s situation is different. Pepe, 41, stepped down at the end of the Euros and he plays in a less punishing position than Ronaldo. Ronaldo says he knows when it will be time to retire from Portugal. But does he? It’s not simply about him. It also has to be a decision taken with the team in mind. Is the presence of someone with Ronaldo’s aura and record even inhibiting others? Portugal have so much exceptional talent is Ronaldo, a more static player than in his free-flowing youth, slowing them? It will be a huge call for Roberto Martinez to leave Ronaldo out but the Euros eventually showed that Portugal need to cut the cord.