Simon Jordan says Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi. He said that Ronaldo has played in Portugal, the Premier League, Spain, Italy, and even Saudi, and he’s operated at the highest level in every single one. Messi played in a wonderful Barcelona team with conditions that suited him, didn’t do much at PSG, and now he’s in America where he stands out because the standard is low. Jordan says he’s not discrediting Messi as a genius, but given those facts, he goes with Ronaldo.
He says it burns his backside to agree with Piers Morgan because Morgan’s football knowledge is the size of a thimble, but he still goes Ronaldo. He thinks they’re both wonderful players but different. Ronaldo is power, Messi is silkiness and beautiful on the eye. He’s seen both in the flesh.
He hates the “wet Tuesday in Stoke” argument but says it does make you wonder how Messi would’ve done in the Premier League or Italy.
Then on the current tournament, Jordan says Portugal should drop Ronaldo. He thinks Martinez is cowardly for not doing it. Ronaldo can’t do what he used to, and he’s stopping other players from creating chances and making runs. The only reason to keep him is the fear factor, opponents still react to him. He mentions Thierry Henry and other pundits talking about Ronaldo’s lack of prowess.
He also says Martinez has made a rod for his own back because if he drops Ronaldo now, the headlines will be massive.
And he points out that Ronaldo is nearly three years older than Messi, saying let’s see what Messi looks like at 41.
Cristiano Ronaldo Fires Back at Critics With ‘I’m Back’ Message After Historic World Cup Brace
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, and he made sure everyone heard his response to the critics.
“I’m back! I’m back!”
After his second goal, Ronaldo stared into a TV camera and screamed out the message. At 41 years old, he became the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. It was also a direct answer to those who had written him off after Portugal’s labored 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opener.
Ronaldo only needed six minutes to open the scoring with a superb half-volley from Joao Cancelo’s cross. He added a second before halftime with a fine finish from Bruno Fernandes’ pass. Only a goalline clearance stopped him from getting a first-half hat trick.
When asked about his “I’m back” statement, Ronaldo said it was “only so they don’t forget, 23 years like this.” He added: “I’m very happy but the most important thing is the work the team did. Obviously personal records are always nice but my goal is always to help the team. It’s been a difficult week, a dark week without kicking a ball, but we dealt with it.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo had been vital in lifting spirits after the disappointing draw. “We were raging, we were sick, but we grew as a team. Cristiano Ronaldo was a perfect captain, very much focused and made use of his experience because it is not the first time he deals with this situation. Our captain is an icon.”
Former England captain Wayne Rooney, who played with Ronaldo at Manchester United, told the BBC: “With all the other top players scoring goals at this tournament, to score two goals at the World Cup at 41 is incredible. He’s taken a bit of criticism and this is how he responds. He has done that his whole career.”
Roy Keane also shared: “Cristiano Ronaldo was never gone. He is the man. Doubted genius. It’s great to see him back. His two goals were excellent. What you have to admire is he is a billionaire, who has won everything apart from the World Cup, but the hunger and desire to keep getting in there.”
Uzbekistan boss Fabio Cannavaro, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, said: “You come to the World Cup and show that when you are 41 you are still hungry and can do a lot. Cristiano is still one of the strongest players in the history of football. If you give him one centimetre in the box you are dead.”
Nuno Mendes also scored with a free kick, there was an own goal from Uzbekistan’s keeper, and Rafael Leao added a late fifth. Portugal now face Colombia on Sunday to decide who tops Group K.
FAQs
Q. What does Simon Jordan think of Cristiano Ronaldo?
A. Jordan believes Ronaldo proved himself in more top leagues than Messi.
Q. Why did Simon Jordan say Portugal should drop Ronaldo?
A. Jordan feels Ronaldo can no longer influence games the way he once did and limits Portugal’s attacking play.
Q. How did Cristiano Ronaldo respond to his critics?
A. After scoring twice against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo shouted “I’m back!” into a TV camera.
Q. What World Cup record did Ronaldo set against Uzbekistan?
A. Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
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