Euro 2000 champion Frank Leboeuf has declared Portugal as real contenders at Euro 2024 this summer eliminating the aging Cristiano Ronaldo.
Former player Frank Leboeuf was famous for Chelsea and won two consecutive major tournaments with the French team, the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. He believes that Portugal has a chance to win the second European championship. The house would be brighter without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
In his latest speech, Lebeouf said that although Ronaldo has done many things, this player is out of time:
“For me, Portugal is really one of the favorites to win the European Championship this summer. I really think they can win the Euro, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play. You don’t You can’t deny what Ronaldo has done for football just because he will retire in the Saudi League. I want to thank Ronaldo for taking this sport to a new level, but every dynasty must end. “
He has the right to retire in Saudi Arabia, although I’m not sure if Ronaldo needs more money or not! I have no problem with players nearing the end of their careers playing in smaller leagues to earn more money, the same thing happened with Lionel Messi. They’re both like that, they’re great players but they’re not playing at the highest level anymore and have to admit that.”
Ronaldo has captained Portugal in all but one of the 10 Euro 2024 qualifying matches, scoring 10 goals in nine appearances. But signs of age are the biggest obstacle for the owner of 5 Golden Ball titles.
Specifically, Ronaldo in the most recent major tournament, the 2022 World Cup, only had 1 goal from a free kick situation. CR7 has also not spoken up in the knockout rounds of the three major tournaments since the 2018 World Cup until now. This raises concerns about being able to compete for a starting position with the emerging young and strong strikers of the European Selecao.
However, Ronaldo is definitely still the spiritual leader of the Portuguese team and coach Roberto Martinez has no reason to eliminate the best player of the Iberian Peninsula team. The upcoming European Championship will be Ronaldo’s 6th Euro, more than any other player.
