Vieira Warns Ronaldo’s Legacy At Risk, Morgan Blames Fernandes For Portugal Draw

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira has urged Portugal coach Roberto Martinez to make a bold call and leave captain Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting line-up for the country’s next FIFA World Cup match against Uzbekistan.

Vieira’s comments followed Portugal’s frustrating 1-1 draw with DR Congo, a game in which Ronaldo failed to find the net.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the former Arsenal captain said Martinez must prioritise the team’s interests over the veteran forward’s status.

“He [Martinez] has to think about the team first before thinking about Ronaldo. So he will have to make a really strong decision not to start him if the team is better without him,” Vieira said. He added: “I worry for him [Ronaldo], his legacy will be spoiled a little bit if he kicks off and he gets taken off, because for two decades he has been an extraordinarily wonderful footballer.”

However, British broadcaster Piers Morgan has come to Ronaldo’s defence, insisting the criticism aimed at the Portugal captain is misplaced. Morgan instead singled out Bruno Fernandes for a disappointing display in the draw against DR Congo.

Speaking to Sports Uncensored, Morgan argued that Fernandes struggled to influence the game and offered little support to Ronaldo in attack.

“Have you watched the Portugal game? I thought the one who had the really bad game was Bruno Fernandes,” Morgan said. “I think Declan Rice was [the Premier League Player of the Season]. I thought he [Fernandes] barely had a good kick in the game against DR Congo.

“Ronaldo, playing as a no. 9 rather than a flying winger. He needs the service from the team, but he did not get the service.”