JOSE MOURINHO believes records and numbers remain Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest motivation.
Despite Juventus’ underwhelming campaign, the Portuguese superstar still ended the season with 36 goals in all competitions.
Ronaldo, 36, also added to his remarkable trophy haul with the Coppa Italia – making it a career total of 34.
And that’s the reason why the ex-Real Madrid ace continues to perform at a staggering ability despite his age, according to Mourinho.
The SunSport columnist told talkSPORT: “Everybody says the same, and I say it too, he’s not 25 anymore he’s 35 (sic).
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“He doesn’t score 50 goals but how many did he score? 35?
“The numbers speak for themself. I think the records (drive him on).
“He’s a legend, he’s one of the names that will stay in footballing history.
“He motivates himself with numbers, he wants to win the Ballon d’Or X times, the Golden Boot X times.
“He wants to play the next World Cup.”
Mourinho also believes comparisons with his great rival Lionel Messi would only motivate him more.
When asked by Alan Brazil if Ronaldo would get angry if people claim the Barcelona superstar is a better player, Mourinho responded: “I don’t think so.
“I just think that critics motivate him. I think if people criticise him he will think ‘it’s because I am who I am, I did what I did and I still try and do it.’
“He gets that as extra motivation. I think as an opponent you should be quiet and don’t say a bad word about him.
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“Mentally he’s very very strong.”
Mourinho may be busy prepping for his new job as Roma boss on July 1, but the 58-year-old still had the time to pick his England XI to face Croatia on Sunday.
And the two-time Champions League winner wants to see Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Phil Foden all starting behind Harry Kane.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
