Does Portugal Still Need Ronaldo? Here's What Cancelo Says

Cristiano Ronaldo is being considered past his prime. There have been many calls for the megastar not to be included in Euro 2024. What does his teammate Joao Cancelo have to say about it?

The Portuguese fullback asserts that Selecao das Quinas doesn't necessarily depend on the striker known as CR7. As reported by detikSport, Cancelo mentions that a football player's peak performance typically ranges between the ages of 25 and 32. Meanwhile, Ronaldo is nearing 40.

"He is an important player, but a player's peak performance is generally between the ages of 25 and 32. We are not dependent on him," said Joao Cancelo, as quoted by SPORT.

Ronaldo has undoubtedly been crucial for the Portuguese national team. Throughout his career as a footballer, Ronaldo has scored 128 goals in 205 appearances. Ronaldo has been representing Portugal for 20 years.

Despite his current age, Ronaldo's performance still showcases his prowess. Under the management of Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo remains sharp.

Ronaldo has scored 10 goals in nine matches in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, leading Portugal to qualify for the final rounds with a clean sweep of 10 victories.

At the club level, the former Manchester United player remains formidable. With 30 goals and 11 assists for Al Nassr, Ronaldo's ability is evident.

However, there's mounting pressure for him not to be included in Euro 2024. One of the reasons being Ronaldo's solitary goal in five appearances during the 2022 World Cup, which led to Portugal's elimination in the quarterfinals.

Now, Portugal is gearing up for Euro 2024. They are placed in Group F alongside Turkey, Czech Republic, and the winner of the playoff between Georgia, Luxembourg, Greece, and Kazakhstan.

Arsenal's Triumph: David Raya's Heroic Performance in Crucial Champions League Victory

In the electrifying atmosphere of Emirates Stadium, David Raya unequivocally silenced any doubts regarding Mikel Arteta's decision-making and his position as Arsenal's primary goalkeeper with a stellar performance during a thrilling Champions League triumph over Porto.

Raya's Redemption: Overcoming Skepticism

Initially stepping in for Aaron Ramsdale, Raya faced skepticism over Arteta's choice to replace the beloved English goalkeeper with the Spaniard from Brentford. Some questioned Arteta's decision to tinker with a successful formula. However, witnessing Raya's standout performance against Porto, even the staunchest critics—myself included—must acknowledge the error in doubting him.

Raya's Resilience: Seizing the Moment

Raya showcased his mettle when it mattered most, underscoring his consistent growth and reliability. His pivotal role in the penalty shootout, where he thwarted Wendell and Galeno's attempts, propelled Arsenal into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years.

A Gritty Battle: Arsenal's Triumph Over Adversity

The clash against Porto was a tense affair, fraught with nerves and tension—a testament to the rigors of Champions League football. Despite past setbacks in the last-16 stage, Arsenal's victory symbolized a significant breakthrough, marking their passage into the coveted last eight.

Arteta's Confidence: A Bold Decision

While Arteta faced scrutiny for his decision to entrust Raya, he remained steadfast in his belief in the goalkeeper's abilities. He emphasized Raya's composure, body language, and decision-making as pivotal attributes for a goalkeeper—a decision vindicated by Raya's heroic performance.

Penalty Drama: Raya's Moment of Glory

Raya's heroics extended to the penalty shootout, where he pulled off crucial saves, including a remarkable effort to deny Wendell's penalty and subsequent rebound. His acrobatic save against Galeno sealed Arsenal's victory, sparking jubilant celebrations at Emirates Stadium.

Post-Match Drama: Tempers Flare

Following the intense encounter, tensions boiled over between Arteta and Porto's fiery manager, Sergio Conceicao. Allegations of misconduct marred the post-match discourse, with Conceicao accusing Arteta of insulting his family—a claim vehemently denied by the Arsenal manager.

In conclusion, David Raya's stellar performance not only secured Arsenal's progression in the Champions League but also silenced doubters and reaffirmed Arteta's bold decision-making. As Arsenal advances in the tournament, Raya's heroics will undoubtedly remain etched in the club's illustrious history.