WHEN it was obvious to everyone that father time has caught up with Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, his technical team failed to manage his input and thus ending his international duties without a World Cup medal.
Six FIFA World Cups, and zero titles. That is certainly not how Cristiano Ronaldo would have envisioned his international career with Portugal ending when he made his global showpiece debut in Germany back in 2006.
But it is what it is. He will have to take it in his stride and accept that his failure to win a World Cup was largely of his own making, driven by a desire to remain in the starting lineup even when his performances no longer warranted it.
Undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, Ronaldo played at the highest level for decades, churning out world-class performances year after year. He boasts five Ballon d'Or awards and a mountain of silverware, including five UEFA Champions League titles.
However, over the last few years, he hasn't been as efficient as he once was. To be fair, that wasn't entirely his fault; he was nearing 40 years of age – he is now 41 – and playing in the far less competitive Saudi Pro League.
