Portuguese Football Coach Sends Message To Cristiano Ronaldo Critics

FC Shakhtar Donetsk coach Luis Castro did not mince words in sending a message to the critics of football star Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a recent interview with Spanish outlet Marca, Castro spoke about several aspects of the sport, including his thoughts on his countryman Ronaldo.

Ronaldo has never deprived the public of taking a peek at his luxurious lifestyle. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is a known collector of sports cars and is often spotted spending his free time with his family in a lavish way. Many have since questioned whether the superstar athlete is living an excessive lifestyle.

Defending Ronaldo, Castro asserted that he has never failed to deliver whenever his feet are on the pitch.

“I do not compare. But yes, for me, he (Ronaldo) is the best,” the coach pointed out. “Cristiano has a story behind him that is exemplary. He moved at just 11 years of age to Lisbon to be a footballer, leaving his home. He is someone that has risen alone, with a unique determination."

"For me, he is an example for all children. People criticize Ronaldo too much. 'What if he does this, what if he spends so much money on this or the other?' Yet he responds on the field every game, being aware of where he comes from.”

Castro even suggested that a film depicting the life of Ronaldo will help him build his image in the eyes of his critics.

“The day they make a Cristiano movie and people see where he really comes from, how he became a footballer, he will be valued much more,” he said.

At 35, Ronaldo is aging like fine wine. In fact, prior to testing positive for COVID-19, the Juventus striker is shooting better than he used to, tallying with three goals and one assist in two Serie A matches.

According to the Portuguese coach, Juventus is fortunate to have a player like Ronaldo in their ranks.

“We are talking about Cristiano,” Castro said. “When you have Cristiano on your team, you should never let him go. Never! We are talking about the best, the most effective footballer in the world, a machine, a machine of sacrifice.”