A former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo says the Al-Nassr striker is “misunderstood” and won’t be replaced overnight in the Portugal squad.
Ronaldo will not be present when Portugal resume their Nations League campaign on Saturday with a game against Denmark having retired from international football after clashing with coach Jorge Jesus.
And Adrien Silva, who played alongside Ronaldo for the national team, believes it is a huge blow.
Silva told Kooora: “You can’t replace a player like Ronaldo quickly. You cannot replace overnight a figure with the historical impact of the magnitude of Cristiano.”
Ronaldo was not arrogant, he had enormous self-confidence – Silva
Ronaldo’s decision to quit the international game was prompted by a row that escalated when he was left on the bench by Jesus for the game with Norway. The 41-year-old left the squad and flew home on his private jet.
His actions sparked accusations of arrogance but Silva, who played for Sporting CP and Leicester among others and was part of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016, says they are misplaced.
“Sometimes, his enormous self-confidence is misunderstood. Anyone who competes at the highest level needs to believe in themselves unconditionally,” he said. “What some described as arrogance was just real ambition and the natural frustration of someone who hates losing.
“Cristiano Ronaldo earned his status on the field, through his performance, his titles and his commitment to his country. He was always the first to lead by example through his hard work, his punctuality and his dedication.
“When your leader is the person who works with the maximum effort, that naturally wins the admiration of the whole group.”
Ronaldo’s absence from the last three games has not hindered Portugal and they top Nations League group A4 having won all four fixtures.
And Silva believes the future is still bright.
He said: “Portugal currently has an exceptional generation of talent, developed through the excellent work of the clubs and the federation.
“There is enough quality and maturity to build a strong and united team, capable of continuing to compete for the greatest titles on the world scene.”
Portugal will still challenge, even without Ronaldo
Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva will wear the captain’s armband against Denmark and Silva believes there are enough experienced players in the squad to compensate for the leadership lost following Ronaldo’s departure.
“Portugal are still in a very strong position,” he said. “Players like Rúben Dias, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva have demonstrated leadership, personality and tactical intelligence on the biggest stages of world football for several years. Without a doubt, there will be no problem.”
Ronaldo will spend the international break working on other ventures, including starring in a new drama that explores the world of transfers.
Ronaldo will appear as himself in the series, which is being produced through UR Marv Studios, the production company he co-founded with British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward will also serve as an executive producer.
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