Jamie Carragher has taken aim at Rio Ferdinand for defending Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portuguese forward’s latest controversy with his national team.
Ronaldo has found himself at the centre of a growing dispute after abruptly leaving Portugal’s national team camp following a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus. The incident has prompted strong reactions from former teammates and pundits, with Ferdinand firmly siding with the Al-Nassr star.
Jamie Carragher, however, believes Ronaldo’s reputation should not shield him from criticism when his behaviour becomes difficult to defend.
Rio Ferdinand defends Ronaldo after Portugal dispute
Rio Ferdinand, who played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United between 2003 and 2009, criticised Jorge Jesus for the way he handled the situation.
Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, the former United captain criticised Jesus for not showing respect to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano Ronaldo was put in a very bad situation and was treated in an inappropriate way. He has an enormous history in football. Jorge Jesus did not deal with Ronaldo well and chose to treat him in that way, but I cannot find any explanation for it,” Ferdinand said.
Despite Jesus being Portugal’s manager, Ferdinand questioned his standing, comparing him with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola. To say the least, Ferdinand only embarrassed himself doing that.
Jamie Carragher saw the argument very differently and rightfully so.
Carragher accuses Ferdinand of defending the indefensible
Speaking on The Overlap Daily, the former Liverpool defender suggested that Ferdinand’s friendship with Ronaldo was influencing his reaction to the incident.
“People think it’s good to be close to people in the game, but this is where it becomes a problem,” Carragher explained.
He then called out both Ferdinand and broadcaster Piers Morgan, who has also been vocal in his support of Ronaldo.
“People like Piers Morgan and Rio Ferdinand, who are big people in the media whether you like them or not, are embarrassing themselves with the nonsense that they’re coming out with because they know Ronaldo. You can know someone and try to look after them, but you cannot defend the indefensible.”
Carragher believes Ronaldo’s achievements should not put the forward beyond criticism, particularly when his actions involve his national team and its management.
Gary Neville says Ronaldo must be held accountable
Gary Neville, who also played with Cristiano Ronaldo, has questioned Ronaldo’s handling of the situation, despite his longstanding affection for his former Manchester United teammate.
Neville argued that Ronaldo’s public response had made matters worse and the forward needed to accept criticism rather than expect others to defend him.
“With Cristiano, it’s difficult because I love him, but I can’t watch what happened at United in his second period and then see him make a statement like that without saying something. He has to be pulled up on that and told that it isn’t acceptable,” Neville said.
He also suggested Ronaldo’s extraordinary success, wealth and influence could have contributed to a sense that he was beyond challenge.
“When you have a billion pounds in the bank, the achievements he has had and the power he has, you feel you’re unbreakable, you feel you’re unstoppable,” Neville added.
Despite his criticism, Neville does not believe the episode will define Ronaldo’s legacy permanently. He expects the attention to fade once the forward retires, allowing his achievements on the pitch to take centre stage again.
Comments.
Loading comments…