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‘Cristiano is an absolute genius’ – Ronaldo’s old trainer reveals how Man Utd star stays in shape ahead of 37th birthday


CRISTIANO RONALDO’S ex-trainer heralded the legend’s upcoming 37th birthday by tipping the ‘genius’ to play until his mid-40s.

Manchester United’s power development coach Mick Clegg believes only Ryan Giggs came close to matching Ron’s fitness regime.

Man Utd icon Cristiano Ronaldo reckons he has the body and fitness of a super athlete a decade younger than his 36 years
Mick Clegg, left, takes Man Utd players through their paces, having seen Cristiano Ronaldo build the framework for his magnificent condition many years agoCredit: Getty

And Clegg claims Portugal’s five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has now found the perfect routine for physical and emotional well-being.

He told the Mirror: “Cristiano is a genius, an absolute genius.

“He learned a lot in the early days about how to manage his body.

“Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually, too. 

“He knows how to balance his food and he’s consistent in everything he does.

“The only person I’ve found as consistent was Ryan Giggs, which was why he played on until he was 40.

“Cristiano will want to go beyond the 40 mark. He’ll be hoping he can play until his mid-40s.”

Ex-Real Madrid and Juventus attacker Ronaldo, who will be 37 on Saturday, has stated he aims to keep playing until 41 – a year longer than Giggs did.

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United return to action following the international break at home to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Friday.

And Ronaldo could be involved after maintaining his meticulous fitness programme in the past week when with his family to Dubai.

After rejoining United last August he had his £50,000 cryotherapy ice chamber transported from Italy to his rented mansion.

And that’s the sort of dedication Clegg believes will be cold comfort to defenders for several more seasons.

⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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