Rio Ferdinand Discloses Factor for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Age Defying Performances at 38

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored the most goals in 2023 with 54 for Al-Nassr and Portugal
• He outscored European forwards Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
• Former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand has disclosed his secrets

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps going strong despite ageing close to 40, and a former Manchester United teammate has exposed his secrets.

Ronaldo left Manchester United in December 2022 after mutually terminating his contract and opted to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.

Per FIFA Media, in his first year with the Saudi Pro League, he scored the most goals with 54 in 59 games, ahead of European forwards Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Ferdinand discloses Ronaldo’s secret

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has explained what he knows about the former Real Madrid forward and why he keeps going strong at 38.

A list of footballers with autism in the world right now

Football

“I've never seen a player who cares about the details as much as him. His attention to details and the consistency of which he cares about those details is different levels to what I've ever seen,” he said.

“No one's got near, this guy's consistency is crazy.”

He added that the Madeira-born star constantly looks for ways to keep his physical level up and has altered things about him since turning 30.

“He is looking for ways, reading and looking up and researching on what's next; what's the next way of recuperating and recovery after games and training? What's the next type of fuel the body needs to change?

“When you get to 30, am I eating differently to before 30 now? Is my routine changing? And I'm sure, listening to his routine now will be different to when he was young because of the age and the workload. There's no stone left unturned with this guy.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals: 15 of the best CR7 goals and Cristiano Ronaldo assists last season

Football

“We can talk about his ability, records, trophies, individual and team honours, but without that consistency and attention to details, none of that happens,” he added.

The pundit was one of those who supported the five-time Ballon d'Or winner when he had issues with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, which eventually led to his departure.

Ligue 1 aims dig at Ronaldo

Sports Brief reported on Ligue 1 aiming a dig at Ronaldo after the former Sporting Lisbon winger claimed the Saudi Pro League is more competitive than the French league.

The league's social media uploaded a picture of Lionel Messi with a GOAT banner, aiming a shot at him for his unbridled comments.