I recall reading an article before the Euros about how the Portugal NT functions better with him not in the 11, as a team atleast. Has more cohesion and structure to it. He becomes too big a focal point of their strategy when he is playing. Don't remember the author, but it was very well written.
I haven't seen them play enough to know if that is correct or not, but it doesn't seem that that far fetched. His contribution in build up etc have declined substantially over the years. On the other hand, he is probably the most prolific big match player in the world and can pull goals out of his ass even if it's just a header or a tap-in. His movement and ability to find space is phenomenal.