Cristiano Ronaldo &#8211; CaughtOffside

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Arsenal and Chelsea have frequently been linked with the speedy attacker and according to the Athletic, he is Mikel Arteta’s preferred winger if he was to sign one in the summer window.

Speaking with The Times, Manchester United legend Rooney heaped praise on the 22-year-old, comparing his skillset to Ronaldo.

“Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young.” He said.

“He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions.”

Kyle Walker will have his hands full on Sunday night when Spain and England face off in a mouthwatering contest between the Manchester City defender and Williams who has already turned some veterans full-backs inside out.

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Video: Zlatan trolling Speed over the Messi/Ronaldo debate is the best clip you’ll see this year

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 05:03:47 +0000

Known for his over the top reactions at sporting events worldwide and for his love of Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, popular live streamer, IShowSpeed, was hilariously trolled by Zlatan Ibrahimovic during a visit to Milan.

Sat in the back seat of a car, Speed tried to get Zlatan involved in the Messi and Ronaldo debate.

It’s a debate that has raged for years, with cogent reasons for either to be considered as the GOAT.

Clearly, Speed wasn’t in tune with Zlatan’s own brand of comedy when the Swede answered the question…

Speed ask Zlatan Ibrahimovi? Messi or Ronaldo ??pic.twitter.com/FgcCvwHSH7

— Speedy Updates (@SpeedUpdates1) July 9, 2024

Pictures via Speed Updates on X (taken from IShowSpeedSUI live stream)

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BBC forced to release statement after severe backlash over Cristiano Ronaldo joke

Mehdi Gokal — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 20:15:10 +0000

The BBC have been forced to address the backlash over a recent joke made about Cristiano Ronaldo during their Euro 2024 coverage.

Ronaldo, who had a tournament to forget, struggled to find his form and failed to score a single goal from open play.

His disappointing performance included a missed penalty against Slovenia in extra time during the Round of 16.

During the BBC’s coverage of the match, they displayed a caption that read “Misstiano Penaldo” to highlight Ronaldo’s missed penalty.

What was intended as a light-hearted joke with a play on words quickly received significant backlash from fans and viewers.

In response to the severe backlash, the BBC released a statement clarifying their intentions and explaining that the joke was meant to be harmless.

They emphasised their positive coverage of Ronaldo throughout the game. The statement read (via talkSPORT):

“The caption was simply intended as a play on words, which we have done many times before on Match Of The Day analysis graphics. There was no offence intended toward Cristiano Ronaldo.

“In fact, throughout the programme we spoke favourably about Ronaldo on a number of occasions, including:

“1. In the pre-match build-up when Jose Fonte highlighted Ronaldo’s dedication to training, saying it’s why ‘he’s one of the best-ever’.

“2. At half-time Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer did a long analysis run on Ronaldo’s movement, praising it as ‘absolutely fantastic’.

“3. After the penalty shoot-out, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both referenced Ronaldo’s courage and self-belief to step forward and take a penalty.

“At no point were the pundits overly critical of Ronaldo and in the context of the programme overall, the tone was consistently respectful towards him.

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Ronaldo dropped yet another stinker in the quarter-finals against France which ended up in Portugal getting knocked out.

Despite scoring his penalty in the shootout, Ronaldo’s overall performance was ineffective.

Many argued that Portugal’s fate might have been different had Ronaldo taken a more selfless approach and allowed younger players to start ahead of him.

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Opinion: Cristiano Ronaldo could learn a thing or two from selfless Luis Suarez

Mehdi Gokal — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:24:12 +0000

Comparing Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez in their current career phases provides an interesting perspective on their roles and impacts at the Euros and Copa America respectively.

At 39 and 37, respectively, they are in the twilight of their careers, now playing outside Europe—Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League and Suarez in Major League Soccer.

Despite their ongoing success in these leagues, their age has become apparent at the international level, where their impact has waned.

Luis Suarez’s approach at Copa America

Suarez’s approach at the ongoing Copa America provides a valuable insights for Ronaldo. Recognising his limitations, Suarez has embraced a lesser role, supporting the next generation from the bench.

The former Barcelona striker has accepted being a substitute to Darwin Nunez, content with limited or no playing time while passionately cheering on his teammates and playing a role of a mentor with his valuable experience for the side.

This selfless attitude has played a part in Uruguay reaching the semi-finals, following a dramatic shootout victory over Brazil.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score a single goal from open play in Euro 2024

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s self-centred Euro 2024 campaign

In stark contrast, Ronaldo’s experience at Euro 2024 was quite different. Despite starting all five of Portugal’s matches, he failed to score, dropping average performances, leading to Portugal getting knocked out by France in the quarter-finals.

Ronaldo’s insistence on being the central figure, despite his declining performance, arguably hindered his team’s success.

Had Ronaldo taken a page from Suarez’s book, recognising the strengths of his younger teammates and offering support from the sidelines, Portugal’s outcome might have been different.

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“Hurting his team” – Pundit brutally slams Ronaldo and Martinez over Portugal defeat

CJ — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 12:20:49 +0000

Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino has laid the blame for Portugal’s Euro 2024 exit squarely on manager Roberto Martinez and legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

A Seleção das Quinas crashed out at the quarter-final stage with a penalty shootout defeat to France in Hamburg on Friday.

Despite heading to Germany as one of the tournament’s most-fancied teams, Portugal actually got worse as they went on, failing to score in any of their last three matches — a run that included a 2-0 defeat to minnows Georgia in the group stage.

One man who has come in for fierce criticism is Cristiano Ronaldo. Although his pedigree is in no doubt with 130 goals in 212 caps for his country — picking up Euro 2016 and Uefa Nations League titles along the way — the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward looked a shadow of his former self at Euro 2024.

Now 39, Ronaldo often appeared to slow down Portugal’s play while many have pointed out that he was too selfish in the final third, attempting more shots than any other player at the tournament so far (23) but failing to score a single goal — and that’s despite notching 3.6 xG and 2.81 non-penalty xG.

Ronaldo and Martinez slammed for Euro 2024 exit

talkSPORT pundit Cascarino — himself a veteran of three major tournaments with the Republic of Ireland — has launched a scathing attack on not only Ronaldo, but also manager Martinez for continually sticking with the Al Nassr forward, who played all but 24 of Portugal’s total minutes.

“How can you justify it? How does Martinez as a coach, manager, justify keeping him on?” said Cascarino.

“He had nothing to say in that game. And you can say previous games, he backed him and talked very highly of what a great professional he was.

“But you’re watching that game last night, and if he was a young lad, he’d have been hauled off at half time.”

The former Chelsea and Marseille striker continued: “You’ve been beaten by a French team, okay, and it’s gone to penalties.

“They couldn’t have played as poorly as they did last night, the French. They were really disappointing again. And all their top players didn’t turn up.

“No one was that exciting. Dembele came on, and probably Saliba did as well as anybody. Even Kante didn’t have his best game.

“And they’ve knocked you out. I think as the days roll on, it will be a huge disappointment.

“And I’m afraid he’s played a part in the reason why they haven’t got past France, the manager, because he indulged something that was hurting his team.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo insists Portugal deserved more as he breaks silence following Euro 2024 exit

Charlie Patrick — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 18:22:54 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence following Portugal’s elimination from Euro 2024 on Friday night, and insisted they deserved more.

Portugal and France played out a tense game with nothing separating the sides, but the French advanced to a semi final against Spain thanks to a 5-3 win on penalties.

Ronaldo scored in the shootout like he did against Slovenia, but this time there were no heroics from Diogo Costa and Joao Felix missed the crucial kick as his effort struck the post.

Ronaldo breaks silence after Euro 2024 exit

That was Ronaldo’s final game at a European Championships and could have been his final one for Portugal.

The 39-year-old was seen consoling Pepe at full time with the veteran defender in tears after the defeat, and the Al-Nassr man has taken to social media to break his silence after Portugal’s exit.

Ronaldo could have played his final game for Portugal.

Ronaldo posted a series of photos to Instagram with the caption:

“We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far,” he wrote.

“On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.”

Ronaldo has had an exceptional career for Portugal and has scored 130 goals in 212 appearances, which culminated with winning Euro 2016.

The former Real Madrid star failed to score from open play at the tournament, missing a penalty in extra time against Slovenia.

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Many have labelled him as a hindrance to the national side, stating that he should step aside so the country’s young stars can be given a chance.

Whilst it’s highly unlikely Ronaldo will be at the World Cup in 2026 it can’t fully be ruled it out, but it does really feel like the end of the journey with the national team for one of the greatest players of all time.

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Ronaldo reunion on the cards as PIF want Man United’s Bruno Fernandes at all costs

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 06:33:26 +0000

After being knocked out of Euro 2024 by France, Portugal and Man United ace, Bruno Fernandes, will turn his thoughts back to club matters… and a potential reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo.

It’s long been thought that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) have wanted the Red Devils captain to join his former club colleague in the Saudi Pro League, though United appear reluctant to sell.

Bruno Fernandes could be tempted by a Ronaldo reunion

According to TeamTalk, however, PIF are intentioned to make an offer to both the player and United that will be difficult to turn down.

The outlet mention that Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are the two teams where PIF see Fernandes playing, though it wouldn’t be a surprise to understand that a reunion with Ronaldo at the former would be Bruno’s preference.

Money will clearly play a part in any decision, and it’s worth pondering the question as to whether the player sees no real future at Man United, despite the strides that the club have made already under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Bruno Fernandes to leave Manchester United?

At 29 years of age, Fernandes doesn’t need to be put out to pasture just yet, though moving to the Saudi Pro League would suggest just that.

No matter how many times Ronaldo and PIF try to ‘sell’ the league to the rest of the world, it is only the 68th best according to TeamForm.

To put that into perspective, it’s a significantly worse league than Israel’s Ligat ha’Al and Azerbaijan’s Premyer Liqa.

Are football players these days really only interested in how much remuneration they’re able to trouser in a short period of time?

At the expense of such magnificent competitions as the Premier League and, in United’s case this season, the Europa League.

With a couple of months still to go before the transfer window closes for business, there’s plenty of time for PIF to work their magic.

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Video: Cristiano Ronaldo with one of the misses of the tournament as he fails to score from 8 yards out

Mehdi Gokal — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 21:10:19 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo is having an awful tournament so far, having failed to register a goal as yet.

His performances have been ineffective, with the player failing to contribute to Portugal’s attack.

And he has continued his poor form against France. He had a golden chance to give Portugal the lead but he ended up blasting it out from 8 yards out.

He could not have had an easier chance to score his first goal of the tournament.

Watch the miss below:

Cristiano Ronaldo sends it WAY over the bar from eight yards out ???

It was almost on a plate for the Portugal captain…

Watch ? https://t.co/BdGiDgy3Re #EURO2024 #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/QeCgRRhYKX

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 5, 2024

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Cristiano Ronaldo stat vs France highlights the superstar’s lack of impact at Euro 2024

Darren Looney — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 20:10:53 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo had the fewest touches of any player on the pitch in Portugal’s quarter-final clash with France which highlights once again the superstar’s lack of impact at Euro 2024.

The Al-Nassr star’s role in the Portugal team was questioned heading into the tournament in Germany as many feel that the 39-year-old is not at the level anymore and that Liverpool’s Diogo Jota should be starting up front in Roberto Martinez’s side.

The former Everton boss has decided to play the veteran star in every game at the Euros so far and Ronaldo has yet to score at the tournament and in fact, has hampered his team.

The superstar missed a penalty in the Round of 16 against Slovenia and had multiple failed attempts from free kicks, which he was criticised by many in the aftermath of Portugal advancing.

Ronaldo’s lack of impact was evident again on Friday night as the striker had the fewest touches of anyone on the pitch against France with just 11 states the BBC.

Martinez will have another decision to make regarding the superstar at some point in the second half but he is very likely to allow the Al-Nassr man to play the entire game in Hamburg.

Cristiano Ronaldo has struggled for Portugal at Euro 2024

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