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Barca Hero Believes Portugal Are Better Without Ronaldo

Barca Hero Believes Portugal Are Better Without Ronaldo

He does make a good point

Anonymous

Anonymous

Featured Image credit: PA Images

Cristiano Ronaldo has bagged five goals in his last two matches for Portugal.

But you might be surprised to learn that some people see him as more of a burden to the team than a talisman. The Real Madrid superstar won't be pleased to hear the comments of Barcelona hero Eric Abidal this week, that's for sure.

During an interview with Grup 14, Abidal revealed that he believed his native France would have had a better chance of winning Euro 2016 if Ronaldo hadn't gone off injured early in the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo's injury in the Euro 2016 final: A blessing in disguise? (Image credit: PA Images)

Abidal - who was on the losing side when France lost to Italy in the 2006 World Cup Final - believes Portugal's mentality changed without their star striker on the pitch. And he believes this actually worked against France as Portugal went on to win with a goal from substitute Eder in extra-time.

Abidal said: "With organisations like UEFA, it's totally different. There are more opportunities. But now we look at Portugal, you don't have to play good, you just have to win.

"Penalties or not, you just have to win. If you win then you continue in the competition. This is the competition and you have to have the correct mentality.

"France had a good tournament, they were unlucky because if Gignac scored then it would have been finished, give us the trophy.

Gignac
Gignac

"Ronaldo was out because he was injured and it was a problem for France and an advantage for Portugal. Portugal was more relaxed without Ronaldo, the players there normally play for Ronaldo but without him the team spirit is different, there was no stress. But for France, it was a shock because Ronaldo is not on the pitch, we have to fight more.

"Look who scored the goal for Portugal, some guy from the back who has never played before. This is football, when it's your time then it's your time."

This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them onFacebook and follow them on Twitter.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo