Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is performing to the best of his abilities and could continue playing at the top level even at the age of 40, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.
The Portugal forward has scored four goals for United since returning here to the Premier League club from Serie A’s Juventus in August after 12 years away.
Solskjaer praised the physical fitness of the 36-year-old Ronaldo, who last week reclaimed the top spot among the world’s highest-paid here soccer players from Lionel Messi.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still playing at 40,” Solskjaer said before Saturday’s league game at home to Aston Villa. “The way he looks after himself, that’s the key, that’s the key to it all and, of course, some genes.
“He has put every single ounce of energy and effort into becoming the player he is.”
The Norwegian manager said Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d’Or awards for the best player in world football, is “hungry as ever” for laurels.
“His mentality is still absolutely spot on and that’s just desire from inside of him,” Solskjaer said. “He’s going to keep going until his legs or even his head say, ‘No that’s it, I’ve given everything now.’”
United are third in the Premier League table with four wins and a draw but level on points with leaders Chelsea and Liverpool.
More Stories
Sainz Takes His First F1 Win In Silverstone Thriller
Federer Hints At Wimbledon Comeback On Surprise Visit
Zhou Conscious After Crash Halts British Grand Prix
Nadal Steps Over The Mark As He Gives Sonego A Dressing Down
Swiatek Stunned By Cornet In Wimbledon Third Round
Tempers Boil As Kyrgios Stuns Fourth Seed Tsitsipas
Fired Up Nadal Douses Sonego’s Challenge To Reach Fourth Round
Former Champion Halep Thumps Frech To Reach Wimbledon Fourth Round
Relieved Boks Vow To Show Improvement After Wales Scare
Surprised Sainz Takes First Pole At Soggy Silverstone
Gauff Suffers Earliest Wimbledon Exit After Defeat By Anisimova
Everton Sign Tarkowski On Free Transfer From Burnley