Former Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. In a recent interview on Canal Football Club, Regragui acknowledged Ronaldo's significant contributions to Portuguese football but emphasized that his status does not grant him unlimited freedom within the national team. Regragui's comments come amid a dispute between Ronaldo and Portugal's head coach, Jorge Jesus.
Regragui expressed his opinion that Portugal mishandled the situation regarding Ronaldo's future with the team. He suggested that the Portuguese football federation should have addressed Ronaldo's future directly with him, especially given Jesus' previous experience working with Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Regragui's remarks highlight the challenges of managing a high-profile player like Ronaldo.
Regragui drew a comparison between Ronaldo's situation with Portugal and Lionel Messi's with Argentina. He noted that Argentina's players accepted the sacrifices required to build around Messi, whereas Portugal's players never fully made similar sacrifices for Ronaldo. Regragui's comments have sparked debate about the roles of star players in national teams.
According to Regragui, Argentina's devotion to Messi is unmatched in the case of Ronaldo and Portugal. He stated that the Argentinians accepted the need to make sacrifices for Messi, even during the last World Cup. In contrast, Regragui believes that Portugal's players were not willing to make similar sacrifices for Ronaldo.
Regragui also touched on Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals, which may be influencing his desire to continue playing at the international level. Ronaldo's future with Portugal has become increasingly uncertain after he left the national-team camp following a dispute with Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation has provisionally suspended Ronaldo pending disciplinary proceedings.
The dispute between Ronaldo and Jesus has led to a public feud, with Ronaldo accusing Jesus of breaking promises regarding his playing time and the public explanation of his role. Despite the tension, both Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation have left the door open for a possible return. Regragui's comments add another layer to the complex situation.
Regragui has firsthand knowledge of Ronaldo's dynamic with Portugal, having coached Morocco during the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against Portugal. In that match, Ronaldo started on the bench as Morocco won 1-0. Regragui's insights into the situation are informed by his experience in international football.
Key points
- Walid Regragui believes Portugal mishandled Cristiano Ronaldo's situation
- Regragui compares Ronaldo's situation with Portugal to Messi's with Argentina
- Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals may influence his desire to continue at international level
