Former Super Eagles star John Mikel Obi has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo for featuring in Portugal’s final group F game against Georgia, despite the game not being an high-stakes clash.
The Euro 2024 tournament was no doubt a tournament to forget for Ronaldo, as the great attacker failed to score throughout the competition, also setting an unwanted record.
Prior to the clash against Georgia, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Portugal, Roberto Martinez’s side were top of the table and already through to the round of sixteen.
Mikel Obi is of the opinion that Ronaldo had no business playing that game.
Mikel Obi on Cristiano Ronaldo
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder shared his thoughts on Ronaldo’s recent Euro 2024 campaign for Portugal.
“Even if you are a [Lionel] Messi fan, your respect [has to go to] him. You can’t like them both, everyone has their own opinion.
“I have my opinion on who I think the [greatest of all time] GOAT is. Now, Messi winning the Copa America again with Argentina and leading them to glory [puts him ahead]. Of course, Ronaldo, you could say that [he had a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign],” Mikel said.
He continued, “A lot of people criticized Ronaldo about taking [all of the] free-kicks, about trying to do everything [on his own], trying to play every game.
“But I have said it a few times, the only place I criticize him in that tournament is [his decision] to play the game against Georgia.
“He did not need to play that game. You are 39 years old, take a break. Have a rest and refresh for the next game.”
