Germany legend Lothar Matthaus is inclined to believe that Cristiano Ronaldo\u00a0has tainted his legacy at the World Cup\u00a0which resulted in him being a \u2018big failure\u2019 in Qatar\u00a0\u2013 in sharp contrast to his long-time nemesis Lionel Messi.<\/p>\n
While the Argentine triumphantly lifted the trophy to the acclaim, admiration and approval of the football world and picked up the Golden Ball gong for the tournament\u2019s best player, Ronaldo cut a forlorn, dismal figure as he and Portugal exited at the quarter-final stage after a difficult few weeks filled with tension and drama of the unpleasant variety.<\/p>\n
On the eve of the tournament just prior to his departure for Qatar, the 37-year-old Manchester United wantaway star gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan where he huffed and puffed and coldly lashed out with vitriol at Manchester United and claimed he would \u2018never respect\u2019 manager Erik ten Hag, while also casting aspersions at the club\u2019s owners and various ex United teammates like Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.<\/p>\n
Not surprisingly that saw the premature termination of his contract \u2013 which many are inclined to believe that he was actually planning for with this interview with Piers \u2013with the Red Devils. Whilst the general feeling was that the fracas didn\u2019t really overshadow Portugal\u2019s World Cup campaign, there was further unbecoming commotion surrounding the Portugal captain during the tournament itself.<\/p>\n
Manager Fernando Santos \u2013 who has since been axed \u2013 took umbrage with Ronaldo over the way he reacted to being subbed off against South Korea and he was dropped for the last-16 win over Switzerland, with Goncalo Ramos bagging a hat-trick in his place.<\/p>\n
Matthaus \u2013 the record appearance holder at World Cups until being usurped by an indomitable Messi \u2013 obviously has not enjoyed Ronaldo\u2019s histrionics and petulance and feels he has tarnished his reputation, particularly when compared to his Argentine rival\u2019s stirling performance and attitude.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith his ego trips, Ronaldo has damaged the team and himself,\u2019 Matthaus told Bild.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no doubt that he was a great player and an absolutely lethal finisher. But now he has damaged his legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI find it hard to think that he can find a place in a team. I kind of feel sorry for Ronaldo.<\/p>\n
\u201cRonaldo is of course a big failure of the World Cup, the opposite of Messi. [Messi is] the absolute winner.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe deserves it because he has given me and all football fans great joy with his qualities and the way he plays over 17-18 years. For me, Messi is the player of the millennium.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ronaldo is currently languishing in the shadows without a club after his Manchester United debacle but has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.<\/p>\n
The five-time Ballon d\u2019Or winner has been offered a contract worth \u00a3432million over two-and-a-half years \u2013 which would make him the highest paid athlete in history \u2013 but it is highly unlikely he will accept the offer as he is still harboring hopes of keeping alive his hopes of playing for a top European club that can help him fan his Champions League dreams.<\/p>\n
Realistically though, this doesn\u2019t seem to be happening anytime soon, yet.<\/p>\n
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