Jamie Carragher has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for the mental fortitude in competing with Lionel Messi for the last two decades - but added that the 37-year-old's recent behaviour has left people 'gunning for him'.
Ronaldo was released by Manchester United last month after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he slated the club who employed him and admitted he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag. Those statements were just the latest in a string of ill-advised decisions from the Portuguese international, who had previously stormed down the tunnel or out of Old Trafford prior to matches ending.
The veteran forward hoped to seek refuge with the Portugal squad in Qatar, but endured a similarly demoralising experience when he was benched for a round-of-16 match against Switzerland that his side - seemingly rejuvenated by his absence - won 6-1. Amid all of this, long-time rival Messi carried his Argentina side to a first World Cup since 1986, the crowning glory in his career and arguably the final honour to elevate him as the best player ever.
