The prior Portugal right-back believes there’s not any reason why his supremely professional compatriot will not still be active in five years’ time.
Cristiano Ronaldo can keep on playing until he’s 40, according to his former Portugal team-mate Paulo Ferreira.
The Juventus striker is currently 35 but remains among the game’s most lethal finishers, as he underlined earlier this month by equalling the Serie A record for scoring in 11 consecutive appearances.
Ferreira, who played in four major international tournaments with Ronaldo between 2004 and 2010, isn’t in the least surprised that his compatriot is still going strong at an age when many other forward have either retired or are contemplating hanging up their boots.
“I have known Cristiano for quite a long time,” the former right-back told in the London Football Awards. “His attitude, how professional he is, how hard he works — they’re all outstanding.
“Until his body does not allow him to play, he’ll remain at this level. And I think he will last for four or five years longer.
“He’s still a significant player who everyone respects. He’s still feared since he can pick a match.
“I saw him grow of course. I played against him by the time he was 18 and he deserves to be at this level for everything he’s achieved and all the work he’s put in.
“To still be playing at this level in 35, you need to care for yourself. You will need to work hard, rest and eat properly.
“He does that when he says, he can proceed till 40, I concur. Let us see how his body manages it but if he does not get injuries, then he can definitely do it.”
Ronaldo has 25 goals in all competitions this season, with his record-breaking run in Serie A helping put Juve back on top of the table until the year was interrupted by the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The contagion has led to Euro 2020 being postponed for a year, meaning that the Portugal captain will be 36 by the time the tournament finally gets underway.
Ronaldo, however, has already stated that he expects to continue playing international soccer until 2022 when he expects to bring the curtain down on his famous Seleccao career by leading his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.
