Pakistan's football fraternity salutes Ronaldo's legacy

National coaches and players hail Portuguese superstar's discipline, dedication and extraordinary career

KARACHI:

Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football has prompted emotional tributes from Pakistan's coaches and former players, who have described the Portuguese superstar as an extraordinary example of discipline, dedication, hard work and an unrelenting desire to succeed.

For Pakistan's football fraternity, Ronaldo's departure from the international stage marks the closing of a remarkable chapter in world football. From his breathtaking goals and aerial ability to his commitment to training and physical fitness, the Portuguese icon has inspired generations of players around the world.

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on November 5, ending a Portugal career that began in August 2003 and spanned more than 23 years. However, his announcement does not mean retirement from professional football altogether, as he continues his club career with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward leaves international football as the men's all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became the first player to score at six different editions of the FIFA World Cup.

Former Pakistan coaches and players believe that Ronaldo's greatest contribution goes beyond his statistics and collection of trophies. For them, his professional attitude, consistency and determination to keep improving are equally important parts of his legacy.

Former Pakistan head coach Zavisa Milosavljevic highlighted Ronaldo's physical attributes and extraordinary commitment to the game.

"Ronaldo is an example of persistence, discipline and dedication. His story reflects how much great success can be achieved through hard work and effort. He has an exceptionally powerful and precise shot, speed, dribbling, a high vertical leap, excellent aerial ability and great fitness," Milosavljevic told The Express Tribune.

He also emphasised Ronaldo's immense desire to win and willingness to train, describing him as an exceptional example for aspiring footballers.

Former Pakistan head coach Shehzad Anwar said Ronaldo's career represented much more than goals, trophies, records and individual awards.

"Ronaldo's career is a remarkable example of what a player can achieve through extraordinary hard work, discipline, sacrifice, self-belief and an unstoppable desire to improve," Shehzad said.

He added that Ronaldo's journey carried an important message for young footballers.

"Ronaldo's career teaches every young footballer one important lesson: don't just dream of becoming a champion; develop the habits, discipline and mentality of one every single day."

Shehzad said what inspired him most about Ronaldo was not simply his goals, records and trophies, but his mentality towards training, competition, fitness and self-improvement.

Former Pakistan midfielder Sadullah offered a more emotional reflection on the Portuguese star's international retirement.

"We are the lucky generation. We watched Ronaldo live, we loved him live, and now we will miss him live. Legends don't retire, they just become memories," he said.

For former international striker and coach Gohar Zaman, Ronaldo represents a rare combination of talent, commitment and an extraordinary mentality.

"Ronaldo is more than just a talented footballer; he is a symbol of dedication, determination and an unstoppable mentality. His career teaches us that talent may give you a starting point, but commitment and hard work keep you at the top," Gohar said.

He added that Ronaldo's commitment, passion, discipline and unconditional love for football were extraordinary.

"They say talent is hard work, but sometimes I feel the word hard work should be replaced with Ronaldo. His commitment, passion, discipline and unconditional love for the game are extraordinary. Staying at the top for such a long period, constantly challenging himself and setting new standards, is simply amazing."

Former Pakistan head coach Tariq Lutfi reflected on Ronaldo's qualities as a footballer and his rivalry with Argentine great Lionel Messi.

"Ronaldo had a height advantage and was a class header. Both Ronaldo and Messi were of equal status, but Ronaldo was a showman and therefore more popular," Lutfi said.

He added that the departure of such iconic players from international football marked the end of a special era.

"I don't think the world will ever create more Messis and Ronaldos."

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Essa also praised Ronaldo's all-round abilities, describing him as a complete footballer.

"Ronaldo was a complete player. His shooting, dribbling, heading and fitness were impeccable. A great book is now closed. They (Ronaldo and Messi) set a huge target for generations to come," Essa said.

Ronaldo's international retirement brings an end to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the game.

His international journey began as an 18-year-old against Kazakhstan in August 2003. More than two decades later, he leaves behind records that may take generations to challenge.

Although Ronaldo will no longer wear Portugal's famous number seven shirt, his club career continues with Al Nassr.

The tributes from Pakistan's former coaches and players underline a common sentiment: Ronaldo's greatest legacy is not limited to the goals he scored or the trophies he lifted. It is also about the standards he established through professionalism, self-belief, sacrifice and an extraordinary commitment to his craft.

For young footballers, the message from Pakistan's football fraternity is clear: talent can open the door, but discipline, dedication and hard work are what keep a champion at the top.