A model of longevity, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke at length in an interview in Brazil. Selected pieces.
Cristiano Ronaldo (36) is everywhere this Thursday. To his rant interview in England to discuss the Manchester United situation, the Portuguese added a lengthy interview given to ESPN in Brazil. The Mancunian star in particular spoke of his extraordinary longevity, he who has already scored 14 achievements in all competitions this season since his return to the Red Devils after finishing top scorer in Serie A in the last exercise.
“Genetically, I feel like I’m 30 years old. I take great care of my body and mind. This is something that I have learned in recent years: after 33 years, the body continues to respect what you ask of it when you need it, but the hardest battle is mental. It takes a lot to stay at the top level. This is the most difficult. I focus on the mind, because I know my body will hold, because I respect it a lot and I give it a lot of attention ”, he confided.
Work, intelligence and adaptation
Monster of work and prevention, the five-time Ballon d’Or does not set limits on the age of his retirement. “I really enjoy studying. Longevity is something that fascinates me in what I study lately. But I’m not here to talk about it. I’m very happy to be a player who shows that longevity is a crucial factor to keep playing and having fun. And stay competitive. I’m happy, I want to continue here, see what it will give. Getting to 40, 41, 42… The most important thing is to take advantage of the moment ”, he said, explaining how he had constantly adapted in recent years.
“I believe that one of the main qualities of a football player is having the intelligence to read a game. Experience gives you that. And I have experience, I know my body. I know when I can go, when I can’t. From my point of view, you have to know how to adapt. This is the key word for a player who wants to last. I have found this balance. To know how to adapt at each age to a new philosophy of play, of his body, of his mind … “, he launched before insisting.
“I have learned, with a certain intelligence on my part, to always learn more and I feel proud to see people continue to say that Cristiano, at 37-38 years old, has the same performance to which he has accustomed us. It is not given to everyone, it is the result of many hours of work, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly to continue to be competitive with the 20 year old kids. I am proud of that and I want to continue ”, concluded the Lusitanian. The defenses of England and elsewhere are warned, CR7 does not intend to ease off.
