Cristiano Ronaldo: On the Way Down

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or-and he fully deserves it. He is a classy player, there's no doubt about that, and he can change the direction of any game in his side's favor.

There's no arguing that last season Ronaldo scaled new peaks in his young career. By winning the Champions League and the English Premier League last season along with scoring 42 goals for Manchester United, Ronaldo has given football some wonderful performances and was deservedly crowned European best player of the year.

But there is an issue with most footballers today. Some of them might be as good as Pele—or even better—but do they have the modesty to keep training as hard as they once did before winning the award? 

Doesn't Ronaldo think of himself too highly and seem to be in love with cameras more than he's in love with the football pitch nowadays? Does he have the composure to keep his status as a football star?

Evidently not. I suspected that after reaching the pinnacle of his career in terms of performance and effectiveness, Ronaldo could well have a decline in form. Time has so far proved my guesses right, as Ronaldo is not currently performing up to his usual high standard.

But then again, aren't the expectations a little bit too high for any player after reaching stardom?

Ronaldo seems to be just another football case. He might become another Adriano or another Ronaldinho.

But whatever the reasons for his loss of form, Real Madrid are bound to jump at the chance to lure Ronaldo to Santiago Bernabeu and start another long transfer saga in the summer for a player they have long admired.

There's no doubting Ronaldo's abilities, but his recent form is way below par. Also, his childish attitude has surfaced on many occasions, a perfect example being his performance against Manchester City. 

Manchester United could well have an opportunity to make big cash on a player who has already hit the pinnacle wearing a United shirt, and arguably may fail to match or surpass those performances again.

Fergie won't want to give him up, but I think United should look to sell.

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