“At 41, I’m sure Cristiano Ronaldo would understand” - Rio Ferdinand on whether Portugal captain should start every game at 2026 FIFA World Cup

× Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo needs to accept the bench role for Portugal at the FIFA World Cup. He believes that the 41-year-old would do better when he plays the final 30 minutes. Ad Speaking on talkSPORT, Ferdinand said that Roberto Martinez needs to make the tough call as he is hurting his side by keeping Ronaldo in the starting XI.

He added that the manager should make the most of his squad and not rely on just one player, and said: "Roberto Martinez has paid the price to make this decision [of starting Ronaldo]. And I think it's the way that he handles it that will be key. I think if he was going to attempt to kind of take Cristiano Ronaldo out of the team, I think it's all about the narrative.

I think it's all about approaching him and telling him that we've got a better chance of winning it for you. Coming on with 30 minutes to go when the opposition are tired, when their limbs are all weary. Lactic acid is building up in all these players' legs."

Ad Trending Ferdinand explained that Ronaldo coming off the bench would also put fear in the opponents when they see him warming up. He added that the fresh legs against the tired defenders would also suit the 41-year-old and said: "They see Cristiano Ronaldo warming up on the side, and you come on and terrorise them and capitalise on that in the latter stages of the game. Do you think anyone's going to be bothered when you lift that trophy as our captain?

No. You're going to start some games, but then some you're not going to start. But that's part of the plan.

And at 41 years old, I'm sure Cristiano would understand that because when we were getting older, things weren't working as quickly, as smoothly as they once were. But there's no denying the guy's potential." Ad Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup opening match.

He has now gone 10 games in major competitions without a goal for Portugal. Pundits call for Cristiano Ronaldo to be benched at FIFA World Cup Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Paul Scholes and more have called for Roberto Martinez to bench Cristiano Ronaldo at the FIFA World Cup. They believe that the forward is hampering the tactics of the manager, and he should look at the bigger picture.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's fans have been attacking the Portugal players, claiming that they were refusing to pass the ball to the 41-year-old in the FIFA World Cup draw against DR Congo. × Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Sripad Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo needs to accept the bench role for Portugal at the FIFA World Cup.

He believes that the 41-year-old would do better when he plays the final 30 minutes. Ad Speaking on talkSPORT, Ferdinand said that Roberto Martinez needs to make the tough call as he is hurting his side by keeping Ronaldo in the starting XI. He added that the manager should make the most of his squad and not rely on just one player, and said: "Roberto Martinez has paid the price to make this decision [of starting Ronaldo].

And I think it's the way that he handles it that will be key. I think if he was going to attempt to kind of take Cristiano Ronaldo out of the team, I think it's all about the narrative. I think it's all about approaching him and telling him that we've got a better chance of winning it for you.

Coming on with 30 minutes to go when the opposition are tired, when their limbs are all weary. Lactic acid is building up in all these players' legs." Ad Trending Ferdinand explained that Ronaldo coming off the bench would also put fear in the opponents when they see him warming up.

He added that the fresh legs against the tired defenders would also suit the 41-year-old and said: "They see Cristiano Ronaldo warming up on the side, and you come on and terrorise them and capitalise on that in the latter stages of the game. Do you think anyone's going to be bothered when you lift that trophy as our captain? No.

You're going to start some games, but then some you're not going to start. But that's part of the plan. And at 41 years old, I'm sure Cristiano would understand that because when we were getting older, things weren't working as quickly, as smoothly as they once were.

But there's no denying the guy's potential." Ad Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup opening match. He has now gone 10 games in major competitions without a goal for Portugal.

Pundits call for Cristiano Ronaldo to be benched at FIFA World Cup Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Paul Scholes and more have called for Roberto Martinez to bench Cristiano Ronaldo at the FIFA World Cup. They believe that the forward is hampering the tactics of the manager, and he should look at the bigger picture.Meanwhile, Ronaldo's fans have been attacking the Portugal players, claiming that they were refusing to pass the ball to the 41-year-old in the FIFA World Cup draw agai