Physiotherapist believes Cristiano Ronaldo cannot comprehend that he's no longer the player he once was after Euro 2024 struggles
England and Chelsea physiotherapist Dave Hancock believes Cristiano Ronaldo is no more the player he once was following his performances at Euro 2024. The Al-Nassr striker had a disappointing campaign, where he did not find the back of the net even once in five appearances.
Although the 39-year-old has achieved a great deal in his career, it seems as though age is catching up to him. Speaking to OLBG about Ronaldo, Hancock said (via GB News):
"For players like Cristiano Ronaldo coming to the end of their career, it's soul-destroying. I've witnessed it over many, many years. At the end of the day, you want them to go and be able to play forever, but unfortunately, ageing doesn't allow us to do that."
"I think it's more around the psychology of the athlete getting in his mind about when is the time to call it quits, when is the time to leave."
He added:
"In my conversations with many athletes about this over the years, there comes a point when they are struggling to get out of bed and move, feeling like their body takes 30 minutes to get going before they get out on the pitch and they start thinking about what they really want to do."
Ronaldo has enjoyed an illustrious career, representing top clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, among others. He has won the Ballon d'Or award on five occasions and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy the same number of times.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal teammate offers opinion on whether Euro 2024 was the former's last international tournament
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal teammate Diogo Jota has said that he's unsure about whether Euro 2024 was the Saudi Pro League striker's final international tournament.
By the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes around, Ronaldo will be over the age of 40, and his contract at Al-Nassr will be up; it expires in the summer of 2025. Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Jota said (via GOAL):
"I am not sure about (the Euros being Ronaldo's last international tournament). I am not sure what he told about his last tournament."
Together, the pair have shared the pitch on 28 occasions for Portugal across competitions, bagging seven joint goal contributions. Should Ronaldo call it a day in international football, the Liverpool forward could be the one to replace him in the number nine position.