Carragher Slams Ferdinand, Morgan for 'Embarrassing' Ronaldo Defense

Jamie Carragher has sharply criticized fellow pundits Rio Ferdinand and Piers Morgan for what he described as an "embarrassing" defense of Cristiano Ronaldo following the footballer's walk-out from the Portuguese national team. Carragher asserted that both Ferdinand and Morgan, who are friends with Ronaldo, were defending the indefensible.

Ronaldo's departure from international duty came after he was an unused substitute in a match and subsequently released a lengthy statement detailing his grievances. While Ronaldo has since apologized for leaving, Morgan and Ferdinand publicly defended his actions. Morgan compared Portugal's manager, Jorge Jesus, to Erik ten Hag, while Ferdinand suggested the manager's treatment of Ronaldo was "inappropriate" and likened him to legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson or Pep Guardiola.

Speaking on the Overlap Daily podcast, Carragher argued that their close relationship with Ronaldo clouded their judgment. "People think it’s good to be close to people in the game, but this is where it becomes a problem," Carragher said. "People like Piers Morgan and Rio Ferdinand, who are big people in the media whether you like them or not, are embarrassing themselves with the nonsense that they’re coming out with because they know Ronaldo.

"You can know someone and try to look after them, but you cannot defend the indefensible."

Carragher cited Ronaldo's behavior during the Euro 2016 final as an example of his ego, recalling how he fell to the floor after the final whistle, suggesting it was an instance where "it always has to be about him."

He also contrasted Ronaldo's exit with Lionel Messi's recent farewell game for Argentina, noting that Messi, while also potentially having a large ego, hides it better than Ronaldo, whose extensive statement he found unbelievable. Carragher questioned why no one around Ronaldo advised him against releasing the statement.

Gary Neville, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, admitted that the 41-year-old forward is "difficult to like." Neville stated that he could not endorse Ronaldo's statement or pretend it was acceptable, adding that while he admired Ronaldo's career, the recent events made him harder to appreciate.

Neville also reflected on Ronaldo's return to Manchester United, suggesting that the player did not mentor younger teammates as he himself had been mentored during his early years at the club. Neville recalled the patience shown to an 18-year-old Ronaldo, contrasting it with the perceived lack of guidance offered to younger players during his second spell at Old Trafford.

Despite the controversy, Portugal's manager Jorge Jesus has not definitively closed the door on Ronaldo's potential return to the national team, and some teammates have also spoken diplomatically about reintegration. However, it remains uncertain whether Jesus will accommodate Ronaldo, who turns 42 in February, following the forward's severe criticism.