Former Italy forward, Antonio Cassano has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to retire or risk becoming a regular substitute following his recent struggles for his club and country.
Ronaldo has started just one league match this term under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
He also struggled on Tuesday evening, 27 September, as he missed some key chances in Portugal’s 1-0 defeat against Spain that saw his side miss out on the semi-finals of the Nations League.
Alvaro Morata’s late strike earned Spain a 1-0 Nations League victory over Portugal in Braga on Tuesday and sent them into the semi-finals.
La Roja needed to win to finish top of League A Group 2, but struggled on another difficult night for the Euro 2020 semi-finalists, until Morata’s 88th-minute breakthrough.
Spain have not been able to hit top form in the internationals leading up to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, but this hard-fought victory provides a welcome morale boost.
Portugal had the better of the game but Spain brightened in the final stages, with the introduction of several substitutes, including Nico Williams, who headed across goal for Morata to gleefully turn in at the back post.
Ronaldo’s place in the national team is now being questioned, though, with many calling that he should retire.
Cassano feels Ronaldo is no longer reaching his usual high standards and should call time on his career.
“At this point, Cristiano should do himself a favour and understand that if you don’t reach a certain level, you should close the shop,” Cassano told Cabine Desportiva.
“He won everything, he was a phenomenon. Stop! You have to stop or you’ll only run into the bench.”
Ronaldo holds the world record for the number of goals in international men’s football, having scored 117 times for his country.