Cristiano Ronaldo receives reality control from Portugal Icon prior to 2026 World Cup: ‘He will eventually lose’

Only divorced nine months Cristiano Ronaldo Of his potential sixth World cup appearance. The Al Nassr Vooruit continues to shine at club level and remains a key figure for Portugal. Speaking of the opportunities of CR7 to reach the United States, Mexico and Canada 2026, a Portuguese football icon offered its perspective.

“I have no idea how long he can go, if there is a limit or not, but we are all very happy that he is our captain and the team leads as he has,” “ said Ricardo Carvalho In a recent interview with Ball. “He knows that he will eventually lose the fight against time, but for now he feels good and is an important part of the team. I think he now takes it day after day. “

Ronaldo will be 41 on February 5, before the tournament starts in June. It is an advanced and unusual era for a player at the highest level, but so far he has proven to be in the physical and mental state needed to take on a challenge like this.

Carvalho sounded optimistic about this subject – something he apparently shares with Roberto Martinez. “The feeling of the coach, in the meetings we have had, is that Cristiano will be able to reach the World Cup,” said the first Chelsea Defender, who played next to Ronaldo for Portugal Between 2003 and 2016.

‘I feel it will be as long as he wants. The truth is that he has earned so much credit all those years. And I think he is doing well, which is the most important thing, “ Ricardo added. “You feel that he is part of the team, and you have the feeling that he can help.”

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Cristiano has regained his role in Portugal

By the World Cup 2022The role of Cristiano Ronaldo aroused serious doubts about whether he would play a big tournament four years later. At the time, head coach Fernando Santos Taken the surprising decision to leave CR7 from the starting line -up in the two most important matches of Portugal.

In both round of 16 collision against Switzerland and the quarterfinals against MoroccoRonaldo started on the couch, with Goncalo Ramos Take over as a striker. That decision worked in the first match ramos scored a hat trick but against Morocco, the counterproductive and Portugal was eliminated.

After that loss, Santos was removed as a national team coach and replaced by Roberto Martinez. The new manager was confronted with a critical choice: stay with Santos and continue from Ronaldo, or restore the Al Nassr to the leading role that his status recommends. Martinez chose the last – and it has paid off.

Since 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing 27 games for Portugal and scored 23 goals. He was also an important player in this summer UEFA Nations League Title Run, which helps Portugal to beat Spain in the final via Penalty Shootout.

Carvalho credit Martinez

In the same interview, Ricardo Carvalho also discussed the renewed influence of Ronaldo within the Portugal team. “Cristiano leads in his own way; he has grown a lot over the years, because he started with me in 2003-2004 … We are all very happy that he is our captain and the team leads as he has,” “ said the former defender.

“Coach Roberto in particular had all the merit to bring him back to the national team after the World Cup 2022,“Carvalho added. “Then we have players who play for big clubs, who are champions … The most important thing is that the national team is well filled with talent and good leaders.”