Cristiano Ronaldo is past his 'peak', claims his Portugal team-mate Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo has raised eyebrows by claiming Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is beyond his 'peak' as a footballer and that the team 'don't depend entirely on him'.
Portugal are preparing for two friendlies against Sweden and Slovenia this week, though Al-Nassr star Ronaldo won't feature in the former game despite being named by boss Roberto Martinez in his 32-man squad.
The Saudi Pro League is currently on pause for the international break and Ronaldo has been given some time of to go on holiday with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and his family before returning for the Slovenia clash.
However, Cancelo's comments about Ronaldo when asked about his importance to the team might not have sat well with the ex-Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus star, after suggesting his team-mates did not rely on him.
The former Man City full-back insisted Ronaldo was still 'important' but claimed he was now past his best.
'He is an important player and spent 15 years competing with Messi for the Ballon d'Or, but the peak of a footballer's career is between the ages of 25 and 32,' he told Portuguese radio station RTP.
'He is an important player for us, but the national team does not depend entirely on him.'
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner - who joined Al-Nassr at the end of 2022 - has unsurprisingly stayed in the headlines in recent years since his explosive exit from Man United.
He came under fire during the 2022 World Cup after being pictured leaving the field early after being dropped during a group stage game and reportedly fell out with former boss Fernando Santos - with some outlets suggestion he wanted to fly home.
Since replacing Santos, Martinez has consistently said Ronaldo remains in his plans as he said his contagious hunger'
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