Chris Sutton pulled no punches towards Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo after his performances for Portugal at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo is competing in his sixth European Championship and 11th major international tournament in his legendary career with Portugal.
The 39-year-old ex-Manchester United star retained the captain’s armband under Roberto Martinez, who replaced Fernando Santos as Portugal manager in 2023.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez insisted that Ronaldo remains an important part of his plans, despite the United legend turning 39 back in February.
Ronaldo has come under criticism for his lack of impact at this summer’s Euros, despite Portugal underwhelming in their overall campaign so far.
Portugal produced a stunning 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic in their Group F opener before comfortably beating Turkey 3-0.
However, Martinez’s men were stunned in a shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their final Group F match, despite securing their place in the knockout stages.
Sutton baffled by Martinez’s approach towards Ronaldo
Portugal overcame a resilient Slovenia in the round of 16 and beat their opponents on penalties to ensure their place in the quarter-finals at Euro 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke down into tears after the Manchester United legend saw his penalty in the first half of extra time denied by Slovenia captain Jan Oblak.
However, the Portugal skipper stepped up for his country’s first spot-kick in the shootout and made amends on the second time asking.
Ronaldo has failed to find the back of the net during the course of Portugal’s four-match run at the Euros so far, having only managed a single assist.
The Al Nassr superstar was heavily criticised for his performance against Slovenia, including the multiple opportunities he wasted from free-kicks.
Chris Sutton slammed Roberto Martinez for ‘indulging’ Ronaldo and slammed the former United star’s “selfish” decision to take every free-kick for Portugal.
“I really don’t understand why Portugal manager Roberto Martinez indulges Cristiano Ronaldo the way he does,” he wrote in his column for the BBC Sport.
“We know what a great player Ronaldo has been in the past, and he can still influence games, but you have got to draw the line when it is clear he is having a negative impact on the team.
“Why, for example, is Ronaldo taking free-kick after free-kick when there are much better options?
“It’s selfish from him, and he has a massive ego, but why is Martinez allowing it to happen?
“The bigger fault lies with him, and he should be strong enough to do what is best for the team.”
Sutton mocks Ronaldo in Euro 2024 prediction
Portugal face a showdown with France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday in Hamburg, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time at the Volksparkstadion.
Sutton admitted that France were his tournament favourites ahead of this summer’s Euros and has backed Didier Deschamps’ men to beat Portugal 2-0.
However, the BBC Sport pundit added that his “other prediction” would be that Ronaldo would take “seven free-kicks” and not hit the target once.
“I picked France to win Euro 2024 before a ball was kicked and I am not going to change my mind now,” Sutton said.
“They were not exactly exciting against Belgium in the last 16, but there were signs that they are coming to life, and they look so solid defensively.
“France have scored only three goals in their first four games in Germany – and they were two own goals and a penalty. I am expecting them to click here, though.
“I am at this game for Radio 5 Live. My other prediction is that Ronaldo will take seven free-kicks – and not one of them will be on target.”
