Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano has made headlines by stating that Cristiano Ronaldo “doesn’t know how to play football.”
This bold assertion comes amidst ongoing discussions about Ronaldo’s current form and his impact on the game as he continues his career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Cassano, who had a brief but notable stint at Real Madrid, expressed his views during a recent interview.
He stated, “Ronaldo is a great player, but he doesn’t understand the game like others do. He relies too much on his physicality rather than the tactical aspects of football.”
Cassano on Viva El Futbol podcast also said, “He could score 3000 goals, I don’t give a f**k. [Gonzalo] Higuain, [Sergio] Aguero, [Karim] Benzema, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and [Luis] Suarez knew how to link-up with the team. They knew how to do a lot of things, unlike Ronaldo whose only objective has always been to score,” he said.
This comment has sparked significant debate among fans and analysts alike, with many defending Ronaldo’s exceptional skills and achievements throughout his illustrious career.
Cassano’s remarks come at a time when Ronaldo has faced scrutiny regarding his performance levels as he approaches 39 years of age.
Critics argue that while Ronaldo remains a prolific goal scorer, his style of play has evolved, leading to questions about his adaptability and understanding of modern football tactics.
Despite this criticism, many supporters highlight Ronaldo’s impressive record, which includes five Ballon d’Or awards and numerous titles across multiple leagues.
His ability to score goals from various positions on the field is often cited as evidence of his footballing intelligence.
As of now, Cristiano Ronaldo has not publicly responded to Cassano’s comments. However, throughout his career, he has often let his performances on the pitch speak for themselves.
His recent goal-scoring feats in Saudi Arabia continue to demonstrate that he remains a formidable force in football.