Lille and DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau said his team did not prepare special tactics to stop Cristiano Ronaldo during their 1-1 draw with Portugal.
Mukau made the comments in a post-match interview held after the international fixture. The match ended level, with both sides sharing points.
When asked if Congo had specific arrangements to contain the Portuguese forward, Mukau said there were none. He explained the decision was based on Ronaldo’s current form compared to earlier in his career.
“Not really, because we know he's not the player he once was,” Mukau stated. He added that age has affected Ronaldo’s ability to play with the same intensity. “At this age, he really can't go all out like he used to,” he said.
Despite noting the change, Mukau emphasized his respect for the 40-year-old. He described Ronaldo as “one of the greatest players in the history of the sport” and said the Congolese squad holds him in high regard.