Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford labelled Cristiano Ronaldo as an ‘unbelievable’ player during his England press conference after he left Manchester United by mutual consent on Tuesday.
During the build-up to the 2022 World Cup, and as the games started warming up in Qatar, one thing that has constantly stolen the headlines is Ronaldo and his relationship breakdown with Manchester United.
But whilst that has been a talking point for many, Pickford shared that it hasn’t been discussed in the England camp, as one of the world’s best players now becomes a free agent.
“No, not really (on if Ronaldo’s exit is a topic of discussion),” said Pickford. “I think it’s kind of been low-key because we are in a tournament at the World Cup and we are focusing on our job.
“Unbelievable player and one of the two greatest players in the world to do it. Yes, he’s a free agent now. But our focus is England and nothing outside of it.”
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
If Ronaldo retired tomorrow, he could argue that he is the greatest-ever player to have graced a football pitch.
But there is a reason why he has reached that elite level time and time again, because he thinks he is the best and no one else comes close.
At 37, his mind still operates that way, but his body is doing and telling different stories now.
Either way, if he doesn’t join another Premier League club, then, for the overall picture, he has left a generational legacy on England’s domestic stage.
His last Premier League goal might also be against Everton and Pickford because it was his off-the-shoulder run and low drive that beat the £30 million keeper (Sky Sports) earlier this season.
But Ronaldo’s focus will now be on Portugal and the World Cup, as a free agent might just be lifting football’s biggest-ever prize in Qatar.
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