SAMPDORIA president Massimo Ferrero has joked Cristiano Ronaldo should have been booked after his astonishing 8ft 5in header against them.
The Juventus superstar stunned footy fans across the globe with latest piece of magic in midweek, hanging in the air for 1.5 seconds to defy gravity and power home a goal in his side’s 2-1 victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo should have been booked for his gravity-defying leap when heading home against Sampdoria
That was the joke made by Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero after the wonder goalCredit: Getty – Contributor
The reaction around the world to the 34-year-old’s header has been incredible – but Ferrero’s was rather unorthodox.
He joked: “I must say that Ronaldo had to be booked after that leap.
“It was as if he was taking off like an airplane!
“Cristiano won the game, but my boys defended well.”
That was Ronaldo’s 10th goal in Serie A this campaign and helped to propel his side three points clear of Inter Milan at the top of the table.
Following the game, Sampdoria boss Claudio Ranieri said: “Ronaldo did something that you see in the NBA, he was up in the air for an hour and a half.”
It’s not the first time that the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has been lauded for his hang time.
Last season he produced an incredible incredible overhead kick strike against Madrid where he leapt 7ft 7ins to make contact with the ball.
he powerfully-built 6ft 2in forward remains one of the most physically dominant players in the world – still lightning quick, one of the strongest around and able to leap to incredible heights.
Through exercise, diet and rest Ronaldo has become one of the most physically dominant athletes in the world
The Juventus superstar is still lightning quick and as strong as an ox
In 2018, Ronaldo said: “Right now I have a biological age of 23.
“I’ve still got a long time left, I can keep playing until I’m 41.
“I’m feeling good, happy, I can’t complain.”
But how does he do it?
Ronaldo does not have some super-secret formula and his incredible body is built on just a few key themes.
Dedication to the gym is obviously key, but Ronaldo follows a Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core.
Rest is also a massive part of his routine, as is his strict diet.
Post-match exercise has also become a huge part of his regime.
While other players like to sit at home in front of the TV after a match, Ronaldo heads straight to the pool.
He swims lengths, often alongside Cristiano Jr, which not only helps him unwind from the physical toll of a match, but also helps him build his huge physique.
RONALDO’S FITNESS SECRETS
Hard work: Motivation to be the best is key – which Ronaldo’s five Ballons d’Or prove
The world is your gym: Don’t limit yourself to exercising in one place. Complete your routine at home in the morning or at night
Booze ban: No more wild nights out if you want to stay so sculpted
You are what you eat: Balanced diet with plenty of protein to fuel your workouts is best. Sugary foods are worst
Ronnie says relax: Downtime at home with family and friends is a must
Sleep well: Try and get at least eight hours a night, sleep is key for muscle regeneration
Swimming is a brilliant full-body workout, exercising all of his arms, core and leg muscles.
Alongside his gym, Ronaldo has a secret weapon for muscle regeneration – a Cryotherapy chamber.
The £50,000 walk-in piece of kit works miracles on the body, with Ronaldo having one installed in 2013 after hearing it had worked well for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.
Standing in the chamber for around three minutes, liquid nitrogen freezes Ronaldo to between minus 160 and minus 200 degrees Celsius.
Cryotherapy beats muscle soreness and reduces swelling, inflammation or sprains – allowing Ronaldo to be ready for the next match or training session sooner.
Ronaldo will also have hot and cold baths to stimulate muscle regeneration, while jets massage his muscles as he sits in the bath.
Rest and regeneration have become as important to Ronaldo as working out.
Ronaldo was once moved to deny he did 3,000 sit-ups in a day – claiming he barely did 1,000 “in one week”.
That much work would only serve to injure and exhaust his muscles.
Sleep and relaxation is another key part of his routine, with the Portuguese sticking to at least eight hours of kip a night.
Click here to discover more about Ronaldo’s secrets to success.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
