Mikel Slams Ronaldo Over Portugal Camp Walkout, Says It Undermines His Legacy.

 

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo over his decision to walk out of Portugal’s national team camp, saying the move undermined the values he represents as a captain, while insisting that the football star deserves to be celebrated as his career approaches its end.

Mikel made the comments on his Obi One Podcast, where he acknowledged Ronaldo’s extraordinary achievements but questioned his conduct during the recent controversy involving the Portugal national team.

The former Chelsea midfielder said he had never been a particular fan of Ronaldo, describing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as a player with a massive ego. However, he stressed that his personal feelings could not diminish the Portuguese forward’s contribution to football.

Mikel’s comments followed Ronaldo’s recent apology for leaving Portugal’s training camp, an incident that attracted criticism from football supporters and commentators.

“The last thing you will do is to walk out of your national team or your football club as a captain, as someone everybody looks up to,” Mikel said.

“It just takes away everything you stand for. I do not care what deal he had with the manager or not.”

The former Nigerian international argued that captains and senior players had a responsibility to set an example for their teammates, adding that walking out of a national team camp could undermine the leadership qualities expected of such figures.

Despite his criticism, Mikel said the focus should also be on celebrating Ronaldo’s achievements rather than allowing late-career controversies to overshadow his contribution to the game.

“We should be celebrating Cristiano Ronaldo now towards the end of his career,” he said.

“He has given so much to football. Even if you are not a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, you cannot deny what he has done for the game.”

Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, having enjoyed a decorated career at club and international level.

Mikel’s remarks reflect the distinction between recognising a player’s achievements and holding him accountable for conduct that critics believe falls short of the responsibilities associated with leadership.