On his birthday to turn 36 on February 5, Cristiano Ronaldo joked that he could not promise for another 20 years like the past 20 years, but also affirmed, "never let his efforts be below 100%". Many people believe that.
Giovanni Mauri, a former Real Madrid fitness coach, is one of the few people who understand Ronaldo's body to confirm that he can play until he is 40. As to prove that time does not slow down, just 1 day after his birthday, the Portuguese superstar scored the opening goal in Juventus' 2-0 victory over AS Roma.
That was CR7's 23rd goal in 24 matches in all competitions in the 2020-21 season. Many people were surprised.
Former Juve and Italy striker Christian Vieri said earlier this week: "When you have Cristiano Ronaldo, you always start with a score of 1-0".
Of course, it is just a way of speaking, but it reflects the capability and importance of CR7. As he scored against Roma, it was a picture of simplicity but ease for Ronaldo.
Looking at the numbers, it must be for a striker in his prime. However, here, Ronaldo is 36 years old and he is still aiming for the European Golden Boot title for the fifth time, 6 years after his last win.
Juve simply cannot return to the Scudetto race without their number 7, who scored their 16th goal in 17 Serie A matches, helping the Bianconeri take the lead over Roma and take third place in the rankings.
Ronaldo was also the reason why the cu Dam put one foot in the Italian National Cup final after a double against Inter Milan in the first leg of the semi-final on February 2.
The same goes for the journey to regain glory in Europe for the first time since 1996, although Juve will need other teammates to share with Ronaldo.
Coach Andrea Pirlo has a lot of talent, but he is clearly still the key to Juve's hopes for a successful season. Pirlo knows that, even though it is his first season in charge.
That is the reason the former Italian midfielder wants to protect and maintain Ronaldo's fitness at his best, such as taking him off in the 77th minute against Inter, even though he felt dissatisfied.
Experts highly appreciate Ronaldo's ability to adapt to each stage, but it comes from his professionalism, his will to maintain his body at its best.
Mauri is a member of the coaching staff of coach Carlo Ancelotti who worked with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, he understands what this player can do.
When I arrived in Italy, I said he was a player who passed all the standards. He adapted and continued to score. Ronaldo is following the method we have proposed in Madrid, where he will rest as a basic part of the training course.
Rest is not just about sleeping. It is not passive, but is done by specific exercises aimed at achieving muscle, mental and bone health.
I have worked with many players in their fourties, from Paolo Maldini to Alessandro Costacurta. When I was at Paris Saint Germain, I was sure that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would play until he was 40. They are all athletes with great flexibility.
Ibra has the ability to move as a dancer despite weighing nearly 100 kg. Cristiano is in this group of players and can play until he is 40".
As many people are jokingly saying, Ronaldo is a "36-year-old young player", but that is why people understand why they once said that they will try to extend their career as long as possible, with the plan to spend 4 decades fighting on the top stage of the world.
