When Former Real Madrid Boss Fabio Capello Brutally Criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for His Inability to Dribble

When Former Real Madrid Boss Fabio Capello Brutally Criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for His Inability to Dribble

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM
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  • Fabio Capello was once left appalled by Cristiano Ronaldo's conduct during his stint with Juventus
  • According to a verdict from the former Real Madrid manager, the veteran has lost his dribbling knack
  • Ronaldo famously lost his cool after he was ejected from a Serie A match with AC Milan back in 2019

Former Real Madrid manager, Fabio Capello once ripped into Cristiano Ronaldo, owing to his belief that the veteran was no longer able to go past defenders.

Capello's brutal assessment of Ronaldo's game in 2019 was birthed after the then-Juventus forward was hauled off in a narrow win over AC Milan.

Fabio Capello, Juventus, Al-Nassr, criticize
Former Real Madrid boss, Fabio Capello called out Cristiano Ronaldo for his 'lack of respect' back in 2019. Photo credit: @IFTVofficial @AlNassrFC_EN
Source: Twitter

The ever-competitive Ronaldo was unhappy about Maurizio Sarri's decision to substitute him and naturally protested with hand gestures, even refusing to sit on the bench.

His attitude did not sit well with the iconic Italian manager, who criticised Ronaldo for his lack of respect. He also aimed a jibe at CR7 for his inability to dribble, per Bleacher Report.

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"[Ronaldo] is a great champion; nobody argues with that, but he hasn't dribbled past anyone in the last three years," Capello said as quoted by Sportskeeda.
"At the moment, he isn't at his best and it is normal to replace him. Sarri doesn't need to be brave or show his personality to make that change."

Capello also lambasted the Portuguese star for arguing with his manager and refusing to rejoin the team bench.

"One has to be a champion even when he is replaced, not only when things are going well. He must respect his teammates.”

Despite the altercation with Sarri, Ronaldo mustered 37 goals and contributed seven assists under the tutelage of the now-Lazio boss.

Presently, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr, having notched eight goals and providing two assists in his last four games.

Wenger indifferent on GOAT debate

Sports Brief also reported on Arsene Wenger jumping into the GOAT debate about who the greater football is between Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.

The Argentine genius and the Portuguese phenomenon have dominated football for almost two decades, underlining their extraterrestrial longevity.

While opinions are sharply divided on who the GOAT is between Messi and Ronaldo, the Arsenal legend has a more holistic view of the discussion.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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