Richard Keys aimed a brutal jibe at Cristiano Ronaldo before the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s first appearance in Euro 2024.
Francisco Conceicao netted a 92nd-minute goal to see Portugal claim a winning start to Euro 2024 as Roberto Martinez's men came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Group F.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, who became the first player to feature in six European Championships, spurned several key chances in front of goal as Portugal’s star-studded side laboured in the final third for much of the game.
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Indeed, Ronaldo was prolific in Portugal’s qualifying campaign, netting 10 goals, but may have to get up to speed with the rigours of European tournament football after a season in Saudi Arabia.
Even before a ball was kicked against the Czech Republic, broadcaster Keys told Bein Sport that Ronaldo appeared past his best and that “running was not his friend”.
Keys said: “We all know that he has been one of the best of his generation. There is only one other to match, or maybe better than what he was capable of doing, It’s not Ronaldo anymore. It is a long, long way from being Ronaldo anymore.
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“There are times when I’ve been watching him and thought - he could go on in this tournament to prove me entirely wrong - but running is not his friend.”
He added: “The other thing that bothers me is, as they come into the tournament, everything’s fine. The minute he comes off or doesn’t start, big trouble.
“They’re like boxers, again players. They never quite know when the time is right to call it a day and I think he’s in that category.”
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Topics: Euro 2024, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Richard Keys, Football, Saudi Arabia
Chris Byfield