Manchester United legend can't believe what Cristiano Ronaldo is doing

Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, continues to defy expectations and amaze the football world. At 40, a point in their careers where most players have long retired, Ronaldo remains a force to be reckoned with. His prolific goal-scoring form in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr and his continued international appearances for Portugal are a testament to his enduring dedication and exceptional physical condition.

A Career Without End?

Ronaldo has hinted at playing for a few more years, with his sights set on reaching the incredible milestone of 1,000 career goals. Teddy Sheringham, the former Manchester United striker who played Premier League football until his 40s, sees no reason for Ronaldo to retire while he continues to challenge the limits of what's considered possible for players of his age.

Sheringham's Admiration

Sheringham spoke to finaria.it about Ronaldo's longevity, saying: "Well, he's a physical specimen. He's getting the absolute maximum out of his body because he's done his homework on what can prolong his career and make him flourish for as long as he possibly can. It's phenomenal. He's breaking barriers. I don't know how he's scoring goals."

Sheringham acknowledged the debate about the quality of the Saudi Pro League but emphasized that Ronaldo is still competing against professional footballers. "People question the quality of the Saudi league, but there are a lot of footballers who go to Saudi Arabia. He's playing against professionals; you've still got to be on it," Sheringham said. "It's not easy playing when you get past 35, 37. It just gets tougher and tougher for your body to prepare for the next game."

The Challenges of Longevity

Sheringham further elaborated on the challenges of maintaining such a high level of performance at Ronaldo's age. "It's tough. You've got to have luck with injuries, you've got to avoid those big nasty injuries that take their toll," he explained. "Your desire has got to still be there. You've got to want to keep going. You take knocks, you rarely play without injuries anyway."

He added: "When you get to 37, 39, it becomes even harder with knocks that reduce your agility by 10%, and you've already lost some compared to younger players. Trying to keep going despite that is difficult, competing against guys in their early twenties flying around the pitch. Good on him that he's still loving his life."

What Lies Ahead for Ronaldo?

Ronaldo is currently leading the race for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, ahead of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema. With 24 goals in all competitions this season, he is showing no signs of slowing down. He is expected to sign a new contract in the Middle East, which could potentially keep him playing until the 2026 World Cup.

A Source of Inspiration

Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable longevity and continued success serve as an inspiration to athletes around the world. His dedication to physical fitness, his unwavering desire to compete at the highest level, and his ability to adapt his game as he gets older are all factors that have contributed to his extraordinary career. Whether he reaches his goal of 1,000 goals or not, his impact on the sport is undeniable, and his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is secure.