Former defender Stuart Pearce, who played high-end football for 40 years, admired Cristiano Ronaldo for his unceasing efforts to maintain his height and influence in the Portuguese national team.
In the match against the Czech Republic at Euro 2024, Ronaldo didn’t make much of a mark. After the game, Stuart Pearce – commenting on Talk Sport – argued that his teammates were not confident enough to deliver the ball to Ronaldo. He even suggested that, if he led Portugal, he would replace Ronaldo in the 60th minute and kick Diogo Jota into the field.
However, Pearce also asserts that Portuguese manager Roberto Martinez understands Ronaldo’s value for the team more than anyone, and that the 39-year-old player’s retention may be due to his positive influence on the people around him. “So there’s no reason to stop Ronaldo from continuing to play the main game at Euro 2024,” Pearce said.
In fact, on June 22nd, Ronaldo continued to score a full 3–0 victory for Turkey in the second round of the F. He left positive images like playing the second table with Joao Cancelo, wiping out the rumors after a video of both of them escaping after the opening game. At the third table, Ronaldo faced the Turkish goalkeeper but didn’t finish the goal for Bruno Fernandes.
In addition to being praised for his team spirit, Ronaldo also led the list of most creative players in the history of the Euro, with seven times – more than Czech legend Karel Poborsky. “I look at Ronaldo and admire him. Probably professionalism, but more importantly, I see that Ronaldo really cares about the G.D. He pushed the team forward.”
What Pearce and Ronaldo have in common is their stamina. Former British defender born in 1962, professional to 40 years old, with the final destination of Man City. Previously, he was associated with Nottingham Forest from 1985 to 1997, and played 78 matches for England from 1987 to 1999. After his retirement, Pearce led Man City, England’s U21 team and the British national team at the 2012 Olympics.
According to Pearce, Ronaldo deserves to be the surviving symbol of world football for three decades. Besides, he also acknowledged that Ronaldo’s competitive position required a higher level of fitness. “I think it’s a lot easier to be a defender than a striker trying to make a difference,” Pearce said. “The opponent needs explosive energy and speed. Defenders like me can read the game and it’s a little easier.”
Ronaldo left European top football in late 2022, to Saudi Arabia to play for Al Nassr. Nevertheless, he continues to show impressive scoring abilities, with 64 goals in 70 games. At the top level, Ronaldo is holding two records for the most games (209 games) and the most goals (130 goals).
And yet, moving to the age of 40 is a difficult biological barrier to the Portuguese superstar. Pearce shares his experience of keeping Ronaldo on top, always looking for new challenges to boost himself.
After 12 years at Nottingham, Pearce found new inspiration when he went to three different clubs in the next five years: Newcastle United, West Ham United and Man City. “I admire Ronaldo because he wants to play as long as he can,” Pearce said. “He definitely doesn’t need the money. If you can, I’ll tell Ronaldo to keep going as long as you can.”
