CRISTIANO RONALDO has been “dragging himself around the pitch for a few months” and needs to reduce his workload.
That is the view of former Juventus striker Nicola Amoruso, who is convinced the current Old Lady talisman is refusing to take enough of a break to let his body recover.
Nicola Amoruso believes Cristiano Ronaldo needs to cut his workload in order to protect his body
And Amoruso – who played for the Turin club between 1996 and 2002 – is concerned that failure to do so could result in long-term problems for the Portuguese star.
He told AS: “Cristiano has been dragging himself around the pitch for a few months now.
“He should swallow his pride and admit that, at his age, rest is pretty much more important than playing.
“It’s a tricky issue to handle, but I’m convinced he can still make the difference.”
Ronaldo has never had a serious injury during his trophy-laden career but now aged 34, must naturally take extra care of his body.
However, he did miss Juventus’ win over Atalanta on November 23 with a knee problem – although there were alleged reports of a feud with boss Maurizio Sarri after being subbed off twice before the international break.
Ronaldo admitted last month: “I tried to help Juventus, even playing injured.
“Nobody likes to be substituted, but I understand the substitutions because I wasn’t fit.
“As well as in the last two games for Portugal, I wasn’t 100 per cent.
“When it’s needed to sacrifice myself for my club and the national team, I do so full of pride. I knew there were many things involved in these games.”
After coming back for the Champions League clash against Atletico, Ronaldo then bagged his seventh Juventus goal of the season – and first since October 30 – from the penalty spot to rescue a draw at home to Sassuolo.
The result maintained Juve’s unbeaten start to the Serie A season but they slipped behind Inter into second.
Ronaldo admitted he has not been 100 per cent fit in recent weeks but has been playing through the pain to help his teamCredit: EPA
Watch Ronaldo block Dybala’s goal-bound shot which would have won game for Juventus
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
