Cristiano Ronaldo is supposed to be finished. He’s not what he used to be. The Sultan of Stepovers is playing in a retirement league for god’s sake. He’s just collecting a huge paycheck and farming goals in the Saudi “Camel League”. Every single time he puts a foot wrong, he’s going to get ripped apart by critics. If he misses a single chance, there’s going to be questions about his level. There’s no way out for him. He’s the figurehead of a disjointed Portugal squad. Ronaldo’s greatest rival, Lionel Messi, has teammates who would die for him, meanwhile, Ronaldo’s teammates could not care less about him. All the odds are stacked against him, but it is exactly in this situation that the greatest player of all time thrives
Is Ronaldo Ready?
It’s going to be difficult for Ronaldo to adapt back to the level of European Football. He’s been playing in a league filled with part-timers and plumbers. Returning to high-quality football will not be easy and that is good. Ronaldo does not like easy. Time and time again, throughout his career, he’s done the impossible and shocked everyone. He’s risen from the ruins countless times. It is never a good idea to count out Cristiano Ronaldo. He has been spectacular at the Euros all along his career. He was the top scorer last time around, and that Portugal team was never a favorite. Finally, he’s got a good squad around him. But a good squad doesn’t equal a good team.
Ruin or Redemption?
The challenge is immense but yet it always has been. Everyone will be betting against Ronaldo. Critics will be praying to all the gods in the world for moments of weakness from the Portuguese star. His team may be fragmented and ego-driven, but Ronaldo has to focus on the goal. He has to lead his country for one final time and add one final flourish to his legacy. His world cup was horrific but the King has to succeed on his European conquest and leave behind a glorious kingdom for his heirs.
