5 Reasons Cristiano Ronaldo Should Not Retire From Portugal After World Cup 2018

3. He's A Leader

Every team needs a leader, and Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal's leading light for so many years now. A vocal and inspiring presence both on and off the pitch, Ronaldo is often criticised for his arrogance, but his prideful attitude and confidence help to make him one of the best captains in the international game.

When heads start to drop, players need a man like Ronaldo on the pitch. He consistently sets the standard, motivating his teammates, inspiring the younger players, and always giving the fans hope that the team might turn things around. His group game performance against Spain was a perfect example of this. While younger players might have been intimidated by the occasion, Ronaldo led by example, never giving up and scoring a magnificent hat-trick to give Portugal a vital point.

At a time when some younger players are making their way into the Portugal side and older players like Pepe, Ricardo Quaresma and José Fonte are set to retire, the team needs Ronaldo to stick around and help the next generation of players ease onto the international stage.

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