Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has said that while Cristiano Ronaldo’s behavior against Tottenham was inexcusable, it is important to see the situation from the player’s point of view.
In a 2-0 win against the north London club, Ronaldo burst through the tunnel with minutes left on the clock.
Subsequently, Erik ten Hag confirmed that Ronaldo refused to enter as a substitute, so the player could not train with the first team and was expelled from the day’s squad.
United ended up drawing that game 1-1 after a last-minute draw from Casemiro.
Once again, despite United putting in a great effort and scoring a well-deserved late goal through Casemiro, it was Ronaldo and his absence that dominated the headlines.
The main personality topping Ronaldo’s agenda yesterday was Roy Keane. The former United captain launched a spirited defense of his former team-mate on Sky Sports, going so far as to attack the players and manager in what was frankly an embarrassing tirade.
According to Shearer, the reason behind Ronaldo’s horrible antics is that he is struggling to come to terms with his waning powers and the fact that he is no longer the main man of his team.
Shearer wrote for The Athletic: “I understand Ronaldo’s anger and frustration because being the best is all he knows. He has been the main man, the focal point, the trophy-laden superstar, one of the best players in the world, if not the best.”
“Now, for the first time in his career, he has a manager telling him that he is no longer integral, that he can’t do something, instead of looking at him so that the impossible seems routine.”
“I understand that his behavior looks bad, and it is bad, but the context in Ronaldo’s case is how unprecedented it must feel to be normal. How strange it must seem to be on the same planet as everyone else when you hold yourself to the highest standards of performance. When you are a force of nature and your strength is blocked.”
Shearer also conveyed that Ronaldo will undoubtedly be frustrated that he cannot secure a starting spot with his club before the World Cup in Qatar.
He will be Portugal’s main man in the tournament, for what will probably be his last World Cup for his country.
As for why Ten Hag seems to dislike Ronaldo, Shearer puts it down to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s inability to aggressively press and execute his defensive duties.
Shearer ended up comparing the twilight of his career to that of Ronaldo, when he sometimes had a hard time accepting that he was no longer the dynamic and powerful star he used to be.
The 52-year-old also praised Ten Hag for his handling of the Ronaldo situation, which has increased his authority within the club and among his players.
