CORNERFLICK
Zinedine Zidane has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s World Cup exit, saying the forward’s failure to win the trophy cannot alter his place in football history.
Zidane said it was painful to watch Ronaldo in tears after the defeat, adding that the Portugal captain was not only upset for himself but for an entire nation. He said Ronaldo kept playing at the top level until the age of 41 in pursuit of the World Cup dream.
The former Real Madrid coach argued that one title does not define greatness. He pointed to Ronaldo’s record-breaking career, his long spell of consistency at the highest level and the mentality that has sustained him for years.
Zidane also compared their achievements, saying he was fortunate to win the World Cup but never matched Ronaldo’s longevity or level of consistency. He said Ronaldo would remain one of the greatest players in history, regardless of whether he lifted the trophy.