Cristiano Ronaldo is out of the World Cup, for the final time.
Just like in 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup with a knockout defeat to Spain.
Portugal could have no complaints this time. They were uninspired and Cristiano Ronaldo seemed like more of a hindrance than a help.
It’s true that his younger teammates failed to step up. Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Vitinha and co all failed to put their stamp on the tournament.
Ronaldo, 41, has taken the brunt of the criticism, and there has even been a debate over whether he has harmed his legacy with his poor recent showings at international tournaments.
Former Manchester United star Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has thrown his support behind Ronaldo and says the World Cup should not taint his overall achievements.
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Chicharito on Ronaldo
Chicharito posted to Instagram to express his thoughts on Ronaldo’s legacy amid the debate following Portugal’s World Cup elimination.
He wrote: “I don’t hold on to this match or even this World Cup.
“I hold on to the player who changed the history of his national team, who led Portugal to achieve what had seemed impossible for so many years, and who inspired an entire generation to believe that there are no limits.
“Thank you for the example. Thank you for everything, Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Hernandez’s message strikes the right tone. Ronaldo deserves more respect and he will be missed when he is gone from the game.
Ronaldo has suggested he will not play at another World Cup.
But with Portugal co-hosting the tournament in 2030, you can never quite rule anything out.
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Yes, Chicharito and Cristiano Ronaldo played together
Chicharito and Cristiano Ronaldo did not play together at Manchester United.
The Mexican striker signed for United in 2010, a year after Ronaldo was sold for a club record fee in 2009.
But the pair did link up as teammates at Real Madrid in the 2014/15 season.
Hernandez was sent out on loan for the season, where he scored nine goals for Real. He was sold to Bayer Leverkusen the following summer.
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