Cristiano Ronaldo ego 'a weakness' as Gary Lineker makes feelings clear ahead of Portugal and France showdown
Cristiano Ronaldo's ego is a 'weakness' according to Gary Lineker as Portugal prepare to face France at Euro 2024
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Gary Lineker believes the ego of Cristiano Ronaldo is a 'weakness' as Portugal prepare to face France on Friday night.
The 39-year-old endured a mixed night against Slovenia on Monday night and is yet to score at Euro 2024 from four appearances in the tournament so far.
Ronaldo fluffed his lines from the penalty spot earlier in the week, with the Al-Nassr star seeing his effort saved by Jan Oblak.
He broke down in tears after his miss, though did score in the shootout as Portugal battled their way into the quarter-finals of the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo's ego is a 'weakness' according to Gary Lineker as Portugal prepare to face France at Euro 2024
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Ronaldo remains vital to Portugal, despite approaching the twilight years of his career.
As well as taking penalties, the former Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon star is also regularly on free-kick duty.
Yet Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, feels Ronaldo shouldn't be taking them - while also saying the football icon's ego has become a 'weakness'.
“It is almost impossible, despite the fact his record is something like one in 60 that he’s scored in tournaments," he said.
"Bruno Fernandes is a better free-kick taker and a more varied free-kick taker than Ronaldo.
"So while he’s [Ronaldo] a massive strength, he can also be a weakness as well.
“Nothing against Cristiano because what an unbelievable player.
"I was watching him and his movement in the box is absolutely perfect.
"He does it better than anybody else I’ve ever seen as a nine, the way he goes forward one way, then the other way. He does it with a sharpness.
"It’s more the ego side of him which is more of a weakness, probably for himself, Portugal and [head coach] Roberto [Martinez].
"As a manager, you know you’ve got someone whose powers are waning and he’s 39, but he’s still Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He’s a superstar. He is almost the most famous person on the planet, not just as a footballer.”
Ronaldo is still expected to start for Portugal when they lock horns with France on Friday night.
Didier Deschamps' side are yet to hit top gear at the tournament, despite being among the favourites to go all the way.
Ronaldo has faced France seven times throughout his career, scoring two goals in those matches.
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Gary Lineker has hailed the movement of Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal prepare to battle France at Euro 2024
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And, speaking after the win over Slovenia earlier this week, he insisted he was eager to down the French and fire his nation through to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
"We are going to have a difficult game against France and we are going to war," he said.
"This was a boost of energy and I will always do my best with this shirt.
"I’m going to do this my whole life. I’ve never been afraid to face things head on.
"Giving up is something you’ll never hear from me.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal when they face France at Euro 2024 on Friday night
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He added: "This will be my last Euro, of course. But I’m not moved by this, I’m moved by enthusiasm.
"I was sorry for the fans. I’ll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not.
"And I’ll do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility."