Former England striker Gary Lineker believes Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a Ronaldo farewell worthy of his extraordinary international career, saying the Portugal captain should receive a send-off similar to Lionel Messi’s emotional finale with Argentina.
The remarks are made as Portugal’s new head coach Jorge Jesus rubs shoulders with Ronaldo in his UEFA Nations League campaign. Ronaldo recently gave a lengthy statement to explain his version of events concerning talks with the manager.
Ronaldo said that they had agreed to play 30 minutes v Norway. Jesus wanted him to take part in the match against Wales on September 24, but stay out of the games against Norway and Denmark, before coming back in the game against Norway on October 4, he said.
Ronaldo also maintained that he had wanted to go with the team to the games he wasn’t expected to take part in, but the coach thought he should stay away from the team. The experienced striker added that he had to complete his duty as a captain and be a role model for his teammates.
Lineker told the Leaders Week sports industry conference at Stamford Bridge it was a pity that Ronaldo had played such an important part in Portugal and world football.
Lineker cited Messi’s Argentina retirement as “the best way to end a star’s career,” and he believes Ronaldo deserves to be given a comparable send-off from his international career.
Ronaldo and Messi have been the stars of football conversation for the last few decades and have won between themselves, 13 Ballon d’Or trophies. Messi has won the prestigious prize 8 times while Ronaldo has done so 5 times.
But as Ronaldo’s international career has now reached its twilight years, Lineker thinks the emphasis should be on his exceptional talents and not on the feuds over his last few games for the national team.
