KUALA LUMPUR: It goes hand in hand, or "foot in foot" in this case. Portugal's exit in the 2024 Euro semi-finals confirms Cristiano Ronaldo's decline.
Ronaldo is no longer in his prime, and he can no longer save Portugal like before.
The Selecao lost 5-3 to France in a penalty shootout after the match stalemated 0-0 at the Volksparkstadion in Germany on Friday.
It was Ronaldo's 212th cap, an astonishing figure that leaves you in awe, and he has tallied 130 goals for his country, which is unmatched by anyone in the world.
Though he is the record goal scorer (14) in the history of the European championship, Ronaldo, at the sunset age of 39, could no longer summon the magic to beat defence and score goals at will in Germany.
Though CR7 has said that the 2024 Euro will be his last, he has not ruled himself out from the 2026 World Cup.
There are calls from Portuguese fans for the talismanic hitman to retire, but Ronaldo's legions of followers believe that their idol is still a great goal poacher.
Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim said though Ronaldo is past his prime, his achievements should be celebrated.
"I see a player who has achieved so much, he's the only player who has played six Euros," said the AFC Professional Coaching Diploma holder.
"He's no longer sharp as before, he was everywhere when he was at his prime. His impact may have faded but he provided assists, and he still scored for Portugal in the penalty shootout.
"Ronaldo rallied his teammates with his words and he still had an impact. Even the Portugal coach defended him although he's no longer the Ronaldo that we knew. I believe he's getting ready to retire.
"Ronaldo is not like (Lionel) Messi in terms of talent. He trained hard to hone his skills and maintain his physique.
"We need to see him as the ideal footballer. He has won all the individual accolades, he has only not won the World Cup because he played for Portugal... if he played for Brazil, he could have won the World Cup."
Zulakbal said Ronaldo's attitude is something that should inspire Malaysian footballers.
"He's a great role model for Malaysian footballers. Ronaldo always invests in himself... footballers here mostly don't even want to spend on supplements.
"Everyone wants to be Ronaldo, but don't want to work hard like him."