Magnus OI

Sadly, and very much in contrast to his great rival Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy is being damaged by the embarrassing, unnecessarily lengthening but sheer inevitability of the end of his international career. Ronaldo deserves to be cherished as one of the greatest footballers in history. Five Ballons d’Or, five Champions Leagues, seven titles in three countries, a record 146 goals in 234 internationals and one European Championship. But time waits for no man, even a man who looks after himself like Ronaldo. He’s 41. Of course, it’s good for other countries – like England - if Portugal continue with Ronaldo. Jorge Jesus’ team are potential winners of Euro 2028 without Ronaldo. A team including Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes are a more dynamic team without him. Recent performances prove that. Goncalo Ramos’ performances at centre-forward prove that. Three goals in Portugal’s last three games, all won without Ronaldo, confirms that. And yet the Portuguese Football Federation clearly struggles to move on from the Ronaldo era. The FPF’s “punishment” for Ronaldo’s walk-out on the squad is meaningless as a sanction. It's not clear in the FPF statement whether the 30-day suspension is back-dated to October 1 (the date of the offence). If it is, Ronaldo will not be suspended for any games. Oh, and fining a billionaire €255 is hardly going to hurt. FPF leniency maybe stems from Ronaldo showing contrition for his walk-out. Maybe it stems from long-standing respect and admiration for Ronaldo, for all he's done for his country. Maybe it’s partly commercial. Ronaldo remains a huge draw for sponsors. But the decision about Ronaldo’s continued involvement with the national team should be made purely on sporting grounds. And he’s not an elite force any more.