Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira has urged Portugal coach Roberto Martinez to make a bold decision and leave captain Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting line‑up for the nation’s next FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.
Vieira’s remarks came after Portugal’s frustrating 1‑1 draw with DR Congo, a match in which Ronaldo failed to score.
Vieira’s Perspective
Speaking on the The Rest Is Football podcast, the former Arsenal captain insisted that Martinez must prioritise the team’s interests over Ronaldo’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 could be tarnished a little if he starts and then gets taken off, because for two decades he has been an extraordinarily wonderful footballer.”
Morgan’s Defence
British broadcaster Piers Morgan has come to Ronaldo’s defence, claiming the criticism aimed at the Portugal captain is misplaced. Morgan instead pointed the finger at 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, needs the service from the team, but he did not get the service.”
The debate highlights the growing pressure on Martinez to balance Ronaldo’s iconic status with the tactical needs of the squad as Portugal prepares for its crucial qualifier against Uzbekistan.
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