José Manuel Delgado, a former Portuguese goalkeeper and a writer for A Bola, has publicly criticized Cristiano Ronaldo following the football star's departure from the Portuguese national team. In his article, Delgado argues that at 41 years old, Ronaldo still possesses valuable experience and personal charisma but is unwilling to accept a reduced role in the squad.

Delgado acknowledges Ronaldo's impressive statistics and achievements with the national team, which have solidified his status as one of football's greatest players. However, he emphasizes that past accomplishments do not entitle Ronaldo to a permanent starting position. He describes Ronaldo as overly ambitious, stating that his continued presence on the team is becoming increasingly unjustifiable.

Delgado reveals that he had previously advised Ronaldo to retire from international football after the 2022 World Cup, noting a growing disparity between Ronaldo's aspirations and his physical capabilities. He draws two poignant comparisons to illustrate Ronaldo's current situation: the legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who captivated audiences in his prime but whose later performances were met with disappointment, and Dorian Gray, the character from Oscar Wilde's novel who refuses to accept the passage of time.

According to Delgado, Ronaldo has lost much of the speed that once made him one of the most dangerous players in the world, and his relationship with the ball is no longer what it used to be. Thus, his continued participation in recent seasons is increasingly difficult to justify based on his previous contributions.

Delgado then shifts focus to what he refers to as the "Jesus Era," named after Jorge Jesus, the Portuguese coach who has previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Delgado believes that the national team cannot reach its full potential with Ronaldo contributing minimally to defensive duties and lacking the speed, skill, and reaction time he once had on the offensive end. He points to Ronaldo's benching during a recent match against Norway, where Gonçalo Ramos scored the decisive goal, as evidence of the changes occurring within the team.

Ultimately, Delgado asserts that the issue is not about what Jesus has said or done with Ronaldo; rather, it is simply that "Ronaldo's time has passed." He acknowledges his gratitude for all that Ronaldo has contributed to Portuguese football but also expresses concern that the former Real Madrid star has become a liability for the national team.

In conclusion, Delgado stresses the importance of teamwork in football, stating, "No one can win alone, regardless of their name." Ronaldo has since commented on his departure from the national team camp, promising to reveal the full story behind his shocking decision.