Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has showered praise on Cristiano Ronaldo and said the Portugal international can play till the age of 40.
Returning to the Premier Club from Juventus in August after 12 years away, Ronaldo started his second stint at Man United in great form, scoring four goals in his first three appearances.
Solskjaer lauded Ronaldo’s physical fitness, who reclaimed the top spot among the world’s highest-paid footballers from Lionel Messi last week.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still playing at 40, The way he looks after himself, that’s the key, that’s the key to it all and, of course, some genes,” Solskjaer said before Saturday’s league game at home against Aston Villa.
“He has put every single ounce of energy and effort into becoming the player he is.”
Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d’Or awards for being the best player in the world, is ‘hungry as ever,’ according to the Norwegian boss.
“His mentality is still absolutely spot on and that’s just desire from inside of him, He’s going to keep going until his legs or even his head say, ‘No that’s it, I’ve given everything now,” the manager said.
Man United are currently in third place in the Premier League table, with four victories and a tie, but they are level on points with table-topper Chelsea and Liverpool.
Manchester United will be playing Aston Villa on Saturday, before facing Villarreal on Thursday.
