Respect is Due..

(That is a big watch by the way)

Alright, I have called this man out millions of millions of times but we all know that this is a class footballer and I will pay respect when it is due. With a 40 goal season with Manchester United, leading them to Champions League glory and exceeding expectations at Real Madrid, he deserves all the respect that is given to him.

Most of us might not like him because of his brass cockiness. We cannot dispute that he is one of the best players of the world and on the rate he is going, he could potentially be one of the greatest legends.

You could say that his lifestyle choices aren't the best and he is an avid party animal. Unlike Ronaldinho and the real Ronaldo, he seems to grow stronger with every award he's received. Ronaldinho steadily dropped off once he won his FIFA World Player of the Year award. Ronaldo had the unlucky fortunes of getting injured time after time that caused his decline (even though I still think he could ball in the highest level). Even though he is at the tender age of 25 and probably still hasn't hit his prime yet (that is a scary thought) he will only get better if there is any way that he could be better.

This man has all the best qualities of a legendary footballer. He can strike a ball, has quick legs, can take free-kicks, is tall, and can head the ball. What more can you ask for? The only knock that I can think of is that he isn't the greatest passer but there are only a couple of great passers in the game right now. But he isn't a creative playmaker, he is more of a finisher. He is a Kobe Bryant compared to Xavi and Iniesta who are like Steve Nash.

He has won every award in the English game and will probably do the same (with the help of the Special One) in Spain. The only thing that allude this footballer is accolades in the international game. Like Messi and Rooney, he needs a signature performance in South Africa that will put him with the likes of Zidane, Pele, and Maradona. I think he is due for one. After getting to the semifinals in 06, it is time for him to make that next step.

I don't know if the quality of players in the Portugal National Team setup could help him (especially with his mate Nani being out of the tournament) but I am sure he will do everything in his power to keep his country in this tournament. He has done it with club. Why can't he do the same with country? I'm calling it! He is going to have a strong tournament. Portugal winning the World Cup? Well Michel Platini had one of those performances in 86 and he didn't leave with Jules Rimet Trophy. *Shrugs*