Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has criticised Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo over his reported decision to leave Portugal’s national team training camp, arguing that the move undermines his responsibility as a captain and role model.
Mikel made his position known during the latest episode of his Obi One Podcast, where he discussed the expectations placed on high-profile footballers and the importance of leadership in the game.
The former Chelsea midfielder acknowledged Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements but maintained that players who serve as captains should set positive examples for their teammates and younger footballers.
According to Mikel, leaving a national team or club under such circumstances is unacceptable, regardless of any understanding reached with the manager.
“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 Nigeria international also admitted that he had never been a personal admirer of Ronaldo, citing the Portuguese forward’s ego as one of the reasons for his reservations.
Despite his criticism, Mikel urged football fans to appreciate Ronaldo’s contributions to the sport as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner approaches the latter stages of his career.
He stressed that personal preferences should not prevent fans from recognising the Portuguese star’s achievements and influence on football.
“We should be celebrating Cristiano Ronaldo now towards the end of his career,” Mikel added.
“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.”
Mikel’s comments have added to discussions about the responsibilities of senior players, particularly those who wear the captain’s armband and serve as role models to aspiring footballers.
