Cristiano Ronaldo tops the goalscoring charts at this European Championship but is yet to score, sparking much criticism. Legendary striker Alan Shearer wrote a column titled “Ronaldo’s body is fighting his ego”, which is highly insightful, and here are some excerpts:
How did you feel watching Portugal the other night? Did you shout at the television because the ageing superstar was still hogging the limelight? Did you scream “For God’s sake, just let someone else have a go!” as he lined up for one of his trademark free-kicks – he needs 60 attempts to get one right at major tournaments these days? When he missed the penalty and the tears flowed, when he was pushing himself to the absolute limit and redemption came, were you admiring his resolve, pitying his old age, or just muttering “Why him?”
I saw a lion, an old lion, scarred, but clutching the leader’s position with his claws, unable, or unwilling, to let go.
Yes, Ronaldo is arrogant, bad-tempered and, as usual, walking around with his chest puffed out. Even if his football doesn’t excite like it used to, even if there’s a vulnerability in the anger he shows towards the twilight of his career, there’s beauty and magnificence in it too.
This isn’t a technical analysis, nor am I comparing myself to Ronaldo. But I understand this psychology. I think I’m an expert on ending careers. At some point, you have to decide when to walk away. I get that mindset – inside you still feel like a superhuman, but the signs are all around you that you’re not.
I scored 31, 34 and 31 goals in my last three seasons at Blackburn [aged 32 to 35]. I felt like I could fly. But after every game, when I’d get up in the middle of the night for a pee, I’d hobble, stagger, my back would be stiff, my ankles would be swollen. I’d swear: “F***ing hell, this ain’t fun anymore.”
Eventually, I became a different player. My brain was the same, but my body wasn’t. I’d lost my pace. I knew where to go but it took me longer to get there. So, the manager [Sir Bobby Robson] started playing me further back. I’d have a go at him: “I’m this age now, why do I have to defend these f***ing free-kicks and corners?” Football became a chore because I loved scoring so much. But, you are a different player, you have to do it for the team, and that’s my biggest frustration with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s still got great movement, I love his hunger, his desire, his passion. He even has the balls to step up first in a penalty shoot-out… how can you not admire his attitude and courage? But he can’t be the same player he once was. He has to recognise that the team comes first.
I’m not saying Ronaldo should retire, it’s his call. He can still make a valuable contribution. But there’s no getting away from the fact that he’s declined. In my opinion, it’s always better to leave on your own terms rather than being told to go. It’s harder than it sounds to realise that.
Everyone’s different, maybe Ronaldo will carry on for another five years. But I’m sure he doesn’t want to become a laughing stock, a meme on social media. You can see he’s trying to reinvent and reposition himself, and he’s sticking with his choice through difficult times. I admire that, even though I’m shouting at him to let Bruno Fernandes take the free-kicks.
Even lions can’t outrun their shadows, but I like the image of Ronaldo turning around, looking at his shadow, shrugging his shoulders, pouting, shaking his head and then running back to the action.
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