Adrian Silva: Ronaldo’s Portugal farewell should be respected, says former team-mate

Adrian Silva says Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy with Portugal is beyond question and believes the forward’s decision to retire from international football should be accepted, as the national team prepares to begin life without its long-standing captain.

Portugal face Denmark in the Nations League in their first match since Ronaldo ended a career spanning more than two decades with his country. Silva, who won Euro 2016 alongside Ronaldo, says the former captain deserved the chance to say goodbye on the pitch but that his contribution is already secured in Portuguese football history.

“Everyone would have liked to see Cristiano say goodbye on the field, as the legend he is and considering everything he did for Portugal,” Silva told Kooora. “There is no doubt he also wanted to finish his career on the pitch. But we cannot change what happened.”

Silva made 26 appearances for Portugal between 2014 and 2018, playing alongside Ronaldo in 16 of them. The former Sporting CP midfielder also represented Leicester City, Monaco and Sampdoria, as well as clubs in Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.

He said Ronaldo’s decision followed careful consideration and was not for outsiders to judge, despite the debate surrounding his relationship with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.

“Cristiano is a natural competitor. He lives and breathes football with rare intensity and is guided by his heart,” Silva said. “When an athlete of that stature feels the right moment has arrived to close one chapter and allow another to begin, the decision should be understood and respected.”

Silva added that Ronaldo remained respected by Portugal’s players, coaching staff and football federation.

“Cristiano’s love and appreciation within the Portugal set-up are beyond dispute,” he said. “His status and the respect he commands have never been in question. His legacy is untouchable for every Portuguese person.”

The former midfielder rejected suggestions Ronaldo had become an unwanted presence or a burden during the final years of his international career. He said the changing demands of football meant Portugal had to adapt tactically, but that having a player of Ronaldo’s quality was always a privilege.

“His influence cannot be replaced overnight,” Silva said. “Portugal nevertheless have an exceptional generation of talent, developed through the excellent work of the clubs and the federation.”

He identified Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva as players capable of taking on greater leadership responsibilities.

Silva also said he did not expect Ronaldo to manage Portugal in the future, believing he would be better suited to a global ambassadorial, executive or investment role in sport. “Coaching requires a very specific routine and level of commitment,” he said, adding that Ronaldo alone would decide his next path after his playing career.

The former team-mate dismissed claims Ronaldo’s confidence was arrogance, describing it instead as ambition and the frustration of someone who hated losing. He said Ronaldo’s less visible qualities included welcoming young players, using humour in camp and showing respect to every member of staff.

“People know about his dedication in training, but perhaps they do not see how considerate he is towards others,” Silva said. “He earned his position through his performances, his achievements and his commitment to his country.”

Silva recalled the Euro 2016 final in Paris, when Ronaldo left the field in tears with an injury. He said the sight initially shook Portugal, but quickly became a source of motivation.

“We knew we had to rise to the occasion and bring the trophy back to Portugal for him as well,” he said. “Those tears were the purest reflection of the love Cristiano has always carried for Portugal. Portuguese football will remain indebted to him forever.”