Ageing Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he’s now a long way short of his very best by ex-Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys.
Ronaldo couldn’t find the target as Portugal came from behind to beat Czechia on Monday in their opening game of Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old, who has become the first player to feature in six European Championship finals, came in for criticism from broadcaster Richard Keys during the game, as he believes the superstar does not know when it’s time to hang up his boots.
Keys told beIN Sport: “We all know that he has been one of the best of his generation.
“There is only one other to match, or maybe better than what he was capable of doing. It’s not Ronaldo anymore.
“It is a long, long way from being Ronaldo anymore.
“There are times when I’ve been watching him and thought – he could go on in this tournament to prove me entirely wrong – but running is not his friend.
“The other thing that bothers me is, as they come into the tournament, everything’s fine.
“The minute he comes off or doesn’t start, big trouble.
“They’re like boxers, again players.
“They never quite know when the time is right to call it a day and I think he’s in that category”.
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Ronaldo headed into the tournament after scoring 10 goals in qualifying for Portugal and enjoying a prolific, but trophyless, campaign in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.
The forward enjoyed a 50-goal season and has vowed to come back “even stronger.”
The former Manchester United man has also batted away suggestions of retirement and has previously claimed he can play into his forties.
