Former defender Stuart Pearce, who played football at the highest level until the age of 40, admired Cristiano Ronaldo for his tireless efforts to maintain his peak and influence in the Portuguese team.
In the opening match against the Czech Republic in Euro 2024, Ronaldo did not make much of an impression. After the match, Stuart Pearce – commentator for Talk Sport channel – said that his teammates did not trust Ronaldo enough to provide the ball. He even said that if he led Portugal, he would replace Ronaldo in the 60th minute and send Diogo Jota on the field.
However, Pearce also affirmed that Portugal coach Roberto Martinez understands Ronaldo’s value to the team better than anyone, and the 39-year-old striker’s retention may be because of his positive influence on those around him. around. “Therefore, there is no reason to prevent Ronaldo from continuing to play in Euro 2024,” Pearce said.
Ronaldo (No. 7) celebrates Bruno Fernandes’ goal to seal a 3-0 victory for Portugal in round two of Group F Euro 2024. Photo: Reuters
In fact, on June 22, Ronaldo continued to play the entire 3-0 victory over Türkiye in the second round of Group F. He left behind positive images such as celebrating the second goal with Joao Cancelo on his shoulder, thereby erasing Rumors broke down after a video of the two avoiding each other after the opening match. In the third goal, Ronaldo faced the Turkish goalkeeper but did not finish but assisted Bruno Fernandes to score.
In addition to being praised for his team spirit, Ronaldo also rose to the top of the list of most assists in Euro history, with seven times – more than Czech legend Karel Poborsky. Pearce said: “I look at Ronaldo and admire him. Maybe it’s his professionalism, but more importantly, I see that Ronaldo really cares about the national team. He pushes the team forward.”
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Ronaldo’s performance in Portugal’s 3-0 win over Türkiye.
What Pearce and Ronaldo have in common is their ability to play persistently. The former England defender was born in 1962, played professionally until the age of 40, with his final destination being Man City. Before that, his name was associated with Nottingham Forest from 1985 to 1997, then played 78 matches for England from 1987 to 1999. After retiring, Pearce led Man City, England U21 and the national team. Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.
According to Pearce, Ronaldo deserves to be an enduring symbol of world football over three decades. Besides, he also admitted that Ronaldo’s playing position requires more physical strength. “I think being a defender is a lot easier than being a striker trying to make a difference,” Pearce said. “Forwarders need explosive energy and speed. Defenders like me can read the game and it’s a little easier.”
Ronaldo is still determined to conquer titles and records at the age of 39. Photo: EPA
Ronaldo left top European football at the end of 2022 and went to Saudi Arabia to play for Al Nassr. However, he continued to show impressive goal-scoring ability, with 64 goals in 70 matches. At the national team level, Ronaldo holds two records: most played (209 matches) and scored most goals (130 goals).
However, about to turn 40 is a difficult biological barrier for the Portuguese superstar. Pearce shares his experience to help Ronaldo continue to maintain his peak by always looking for new challenges to motivate himself. After 12 years in Nottingham, Pearce found new inspiration when going to three different clubs in the next 5 years: Newcastle United, West Ham United and Man City. “I also admire Ronaldo because he wants to play as long as possible,” Pearce said. “He definitely doesn’t need money. If possible, I would tell Ronaldo to continue as long as he is in good physical shape.”
