"Speed might not be the same; Cristiano is still a destroying machine": Ex-Portugal teammate on 41-year-old icon
Lisbon, June 3
Former Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo said that 41-year-old compatriot and football icon Cristiano Ronaldo's speed might not be the same, but he is still a "destroying machine and with him, danger is always lurking".
After having conquered club glory in every country/continent and having won international titles like the UEFA Euro and the Nations League, the 41-year-old will be making his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in a pursuit of the game's grandest prize, which continues to elude Cristiano despite his legendary status in the game. The veteran's confidence would also be really high after a fantastic Saudi Pro League title-winning season with Al Nassr.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet A BOLA as quoted by Goal.com, Ricardo, who shared the pitch with a young CR7 in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, said that the legendary footballer's dedication, commitment, and passion stay the same, and even though speed has slowed down, he has gone down from "200 km/h to 195 km/h".
"The speed might not be the same, going at 200 km/h, he only goes at 195 km/h now," said Ricardo.
"Comparing that player with 17 on his back and today with the 7 at 41 years old, I see the same dedication, the same commitment, the same concern for others, if they are well, and the same passion. As long as the physical, technical and mental qualities are there, Cris is a destroying machine, and with him, danger is always lurking. There are no more words to describe him, because he is a unique person who will hardly be repeated," he added.
Now, Ricardo has transitioned from one of Cristiano's peers to a member of the coaching staff. He admitted that managing Cristiano, a player he used to play with who has turned into a superstar, is a fascinating thing as both have "no masks" as colleagues and stay demanding in terms of training, rest and nutrition.
"We are together often, and we talk. I still speak to him as a colleague, even though we know I am on this side as a coach. We have no masks. The complicity is the same... there is nothing that can fake it. We are very demanding of ourselves in training, rest and nutrition, and Cris is a little bit more than all the others," he said.
Portugal will prepare for the WC with friendlies against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10 and will start the WC campaign against Congo on June 17, followed by a clash with Uzbekistan on June 23, before concluding the group stage against Colombia on June 27.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The comparison of going from 200 km/h to 195 km/h is brilliant! 😂 Even at 95% of his peak, he's still better than most. But honestly, I hope Portugal doesn't rely too much on him. They need to build a team for the future too. India could learn from how Portugal develops young talent alongside their legends.
As a die-hard Messi fan, even I have to respect this! 😅 The man is 41 and still winning league titles. That Saudi league win with Al Nassr shows he's not just there for the money - he genuinely wants to compete. Would love to see him lift that World Cup, but with Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in their group, it's not going to be easy.
The way Ricardo speaks about him - same dedication, same commitment, same passion at 41 - that's what separates the greats from the legends. In India, we often see players losing focus after a few good seasons. Ronaldo's professionalism is a masterclass for our young footballers. Maybe the AIFF should get him for a motivation session! 😄
I appreciate the sentiment, but let's be realistic. At 41, no matter how fit you are, you can't keep up with 25-year-olds for 90 minutes. Portugal should use him as a super-sub in the second half when defenders are tired. That way his experience and finishing can be maximized. Common sense coaching, yaar! 🤷♂️
"No masks" - that's what true friendship and professionalism looks like. Ricardo went from teammate to
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