CRISTIANO RONALDO is said to be using rugby studs to make his sprints even faster ahead of Serie A’s return.
The Juventus superstar, 35, is still able to put on the afterburners and zoom past opponents despite his advancing years.
Ronaldo has started using some different studs on his boots to increase his speed and agilityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
There appeared to be about 12 studs on Ronaldo’s boots in Juve’s most recent training session
But ever the perfectionist, he has now reportedly turned to using rugby studs to eek out every last advantage he can.
Italian website Tuttosport say the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has altered his footwear because the larger stud seen on rugby boots grips the turf better.
Rugby boots typically have eight studs rather than six and are bigger to help forwards with grip and stability in rucks and scrums.
And it is also rumoured that he has switched to using some rubber studs rather than the conventional metal.
These can boost speed and aid with quick-fire changes in direction.
Montpellier forward Andy Delort has employed the same tactics and they have helped him reach a Ligue 1 record speed this season of 36.8kph – roughly 23mph.
Even at 35 Ronaldo is trying new methods to get betterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Portuguese looks in stunning shape ahead of Serie A’s returnCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ronaldo – who recently became football’s first billionaire – remains in amazing shape thanks to his legendary work ethic and strict diet.
SunSport told you earlier this year how the Portugal icon eats up to six meals a day, with swordfish, tuna and braised cod particular favourites.
And he keeps up his energy by taking five naps a day before bed – snoozing in the foetal position for maximum recovery.
On top of all this is his weight training too, which a recent photo he posted on Twitter suggests has not slowed down at all despite entering the twilight of his career.
Ronaldo will need to be at his peak if Juventus want to see off Lazio and win their ninth straight Italian top flight title.
And he recently showed he is willing to put in maximum effort by arriving for training four hours early.
Maurizio Sarri’s side are a point clear at the top with 12 games to go.
Juve’s first game back is a trip to 10th-placed Bologna on June 22.
But Ronaldo may have to do much of the hard work without team-mate Paulo Dybala.
The Argentina forward is still not feeling himself having tested positive for coronavirus FOUR times.
Cristiano Ronaldo in phenomenal shape as he returns to training at Juventus
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
