Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal performance shows Erik ten Hag and Manchester United were right

The dust settled on Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious divorce from Manchester United such a long time ago it was not even mentioned on the BBC's coverage of Portugal against Czech Republic.

The 39-year-old has played in Saudi Arabia since January last year and few could name the specific club, such is the lack of interest in the Saudi Pro League retirement home. But Ronaldo still generates reverence.

His namesake was dubbed Il Fenomeno but Ronaldo is the true phenomenon. This is his sixth Euros 20 years on from the first. Francisco Conceição, Portugal's matchwinner in Leipzig, was 18 months old when Ronaldo scored in his home Euros in 2004.

That longevity in the modern era is nothing short of remarkable. Ronaldo is one of sport's most driven athletes and, though he has blemished an elite club career with sportswashing, his record in the Middle East indicates he has not put his feet up.

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Ronaldo forced his departure from United 19 months ago but it felt relevant watching him struggle through Portugal's late victory. His two best chances were both wasted and both from offside positions. Ronaldo's only role in Portugal's winning goal was to goad a couple of Czech players.

Snatching at those chances was reminiscent of Ronaldo's final months with United. He was downgraded to a canny impact sub and unused in the 6-3 shellacking at Manchester City "out of respect for his big career", in the dubious words of Erik ten Hag.

The former Portugal coach, Fernando Santos, dropped Ronaldo at the last World Cup and his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, claimed a