"You're 39 years old, take a break" – Ex-Chelsea hero highlights 'criticism' about Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has hit out at Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo for featuring in Portugal's 2-0 UEFA Euro 2024 Group F loss to Georgia.

The Portuguese, who relished a sensational 2023-24 season at Al-Nassr, endured a difficult time in Germany during Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign. He failed to net a goal in five appearances at the tournament, but did manage to provide an assist to Bruno Fernandes.

During a recent interaction on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel shared his thoughts on Ronaldo's recent continental campaign for Portugal. The two-time Premier League winner elaborated:

"Even if you are a [Lionel] Messi fan, your respect [has to go to] him. You can't like them both, everyone has their own opinion. I have my opinion on who I think the [greatest of all time] GOAT is. Now, Messi winning the Copa America again with Argentina and leading them to glory [puts him ahead]. Of course, Ronaldo, you could say that [he had a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign]."

Claiming that Portugal should have won the tournament, Mikel added:

"I think the Portuguese team didn't really perform well. They were one of the favorites to go on and win the tournament. The quality of players they have in that team is absolutely fantastic."

Sharing further thoughts on the Al-Nassr ace, the ex-Chelsea star said:

"A lot of people criticized Ronaldo about taking [all of the] free-kicks, about trying to do everything [on his own], trying to play every game. But I've said it a few times, the only place I criticize him in that tournament is [his decision] to play the game against Georgia. He did not need to play that game. You're 39 years old, take a break. Have a rest and refresh for the next game."

The five-time Ballon d'Or award winner started Portugal's dead rubber Group F tie against Georgia and was substituted off in the 66th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr begin talks to sign Euro 2024-winning player this summer

According to a recent report from @NFC1World, Al-Nassr have begun talks to sign Spain and RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo this summer.

Olmo, who reportedly had a release clause of €60 million, scored three goals and laid out two assists in six games for Spain at the Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, the attacking midfielder has scored 29 goals and registered 34 assists in 148 appearances across competitions for Leipzig so far.