Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has pulled no punches towards former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal crashed out of Euro 2024 in Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of his sixth European Championship and 11th major international tournament after Portugal’s defeat to France on penalties.
Portugal, who were tipped as one of the favourites to win Euro 2024, finished top of Group F before beating a resilient Slovenia in the last 16 on penalties.
Despite impressing in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, Roberto Martinez’s men appeared lacklustre with their performances at this summer’s Euros.
Ronaldo struggled to make his presence felt at Euro 2024 and the Manchester United legend failed to find the back of the net on one occasion.
The 39-year-old Al Nassr superstar also broke down in tears after he missed a crucial penalty for Portugal in extra time against Slovenia in the round of 16.
Merson reacts to Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 performances
Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that this summer’s Euros would be his last appearance at a European Championship tournament in his legendary Portugal career.
However, the former Manchester United star has not hinted at retiring from international football altogether ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo turned 39 years old back in February and the Portugal captain would be 41 years old by the time the next World Cup rolls around.
Arsenal hero Paul Merson claimed that Portugal “aren’t going to win anything” with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner among the ranks in the starting XI.
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, he said: “As for Holland, their goalkeeper made a world-class save in the closing stages and Turkey missed an open goal to restore parity, so it could be argued that even they fell over the line.
“The same could be said about France as they dumped Portugal out of the competition.
“With all due respect, I said earlier that if Cristiano Ronaldo plays, it’s like they play with 10 men and I want to reiterate that. Unless you get him out of the team, they aren’t going to win anything!”
Merson makes Euro 2024 semi-final predictions
Merson revealed in his prediction piece that he expects France to beat Spain 1-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday and reach the final of Euro 2024.
United stars Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw are tipped to play a key role for England in the Three Lions’ semi-final clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday evening.
Merson dropped his clear-cut verdict on the Three Lions and has backed Gareth Southgate’s men to come out on top against the Netherlands in a 2-0 win.
“I can’t see anything but an England win, I honestly can’t,” he said.
“I look at the options the Netherlands have upfront and barring Cody Gakpo, who has been in sublime form at Euro 2024, I don’t think the other options like Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst and Steven Bergwijn are good enough.
“If Virgil van Dijk hadn’t played against Turkiye, I dread to think what the score would have been. Gakpo has been their best player so far but when Turkiye forced him onto his left foot, he was ineffective and effectively taken out of the game.
“England haven’t been anywhere close to their best, but I think this is the game where they show up and expose the Netherlands. I look at Holland’s options and feel like if they beat us, we deserve a kick up the backside.”