CRISTIANO RONALDO will play until he’s 40 – but will retire as soon as his body slows down, according to Portugal boss Fernando Santos.
The Juventus star is still dominating world football aged 35, enjoying a blistering start to the 2020-21 season.
Ronaldo will play into his 40s if his physical levels don’t drop, says SantosCredit: Refer to Caption
Cristiano Ronaldo still looks in ridiculous shape, aged 35
And Santos has revealed Ronaldo will keep on playing until his physical level finally drops.
Santos told TVI24: “Cristiano is ready to play until he’s 40, but he doesn’t know if it will happen.
“At some point he may feel that he no longer has the same conditions.
“He’s not a player who will lower his level, when he feels like he can’t be Ronaldo, he won’t.”
Ronaldo has come out of the blocks firing this season, with five goals in his opening three games for club and country.
The forward scored twice in Portugal’s 2-0 win over Sweden before netting in Juve’s opening-day Serie A win over Sampdoria.
And Ronaldo added two more as he heroically saved Juventus in their 2-2 draw with Roma.
Ronaldo blew fans’ minds in the four-goal thriller after leaping 8ft 5in in the air to nod home one of his goals.
Fernando Santos says Ronaldo will only quit when his body slows downCredit: PA:Press Association
But the former Manchester United star’s incredibly detailed fitness regime makes that all possible.
Earlier this year – upon turning 35 – Ronaldo revealed his desire to play until he’s 40.
Quizzed on how long he can keep going, the Portuguese icon told Marca: “Much will depend on what I feel, on my motivation.
“Physically it will never be a problem.
“I am treating myself well and I think can play safely up to 40 years.
“The most important factor, honestly, will be more psychological – that will be the one that makes the difference.
“In any case, everything has a beginning and an end. I won’t last a lifetime but I still feel strong enough to continue winning.
“I will stop if I have no incentives.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has previously stated his desire to play into his 40s
Darren Fletcher says Cristiano Ronaldo became the player he is thanks to former Man Utd No2 Walter Smith
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
