World Cup: Gael Clichy urges Ronaldo’s removal, saying he is holding Portugal back.

Former Arsenal defender Gaël Clichy has warned that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo might be holding the team back after their disappointing 0‑0 draw with DR Congo in the opening match of their World Cup campaign.

Before the tournament, Portugal was viewed as one of the favorites to win the title, yet they struggled in their first game against the underdog DR Congo.

Roberto Martínez’s side appeared set for an easy win when João Neves headed in a goal just seven minutes in.

However, Portugal failed to build on that advantage, and DR Congo equalised with a header from Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa.

The iconic striker, Ronaldo, has joined Lionel Messi as the only players to appear in six World Cups, but he has yet to become the first to score in six different tournaments.

Clichy believes that Ronaldo’s presence up front has caused Portugal to play in an “unnatural” way and suggested the team might improve if the 41‑year‑old were omitted from the lineup.

Speaking on BBC One, he said: “We said at the beginning of the game that Cristiano Ronaldo would help young players because of his character and experience, but sometimes those players can take too much light.”

“When you take them out you can see players take responsibility. This is where the manager’s choices are important because during 90 minutes we were saying, ‘Will he take him out because we know he has a goal in him.’”

“At the same time, the game is not natural because of him being on the pitch. They tried to go wide because they tried to reach him. Maybe if he wasn’t there they could link up more in the middle of the pitch.”

“Overall, I think it was a great point for DR Congo. They played a very good game.”

“Portugal will be questioning different choices from Roberto Martínez. But well done to DR Congo because they could have won the game.”