As expected, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked plenty of questions about Cristiano Ronaldo at his press conference ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Newcastle.
Solskjaer sung the praises of his new signing, and said he can go on and emulate Ryan Giggs by playing into his 40s.
Solskjaer’s comments echo those of United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney, as per Sky Sports.
He also said that the stats show Ronaldo is still just as quick as ever, even though he’s clearly a different player to the one he was when he left Old Trafford.
“He’s always had this determination and desire to be the best. He still has that,” said Solskjaer of Ronaldo. “Ryan Giggs played until 40-odd and I’m not gonna be surprised if Cristiano ends up [playing] at the same age as Ryan.
“He’s one of the most accurate finishers I’ve seen; one of the best in the air, his timing, desire to get on the end of crosses is second to none. He hits the target 99 times out of 100 outside of the box.
“He’s still as quick, it looks like from the stats, and he’s a shining leading star, everyone’s going to look up to him. He’s going to be a leader in this dressing room.”
“He’ll be looking in the next few years to play and score as much as he can. He’s a threat from direct set plays but also on the end of crosses. He’s adding something extra we haven’t got.”
Could Ronaldo stay even longer?
Ronaldo has a two-year contract at United, but if he emulates Giggs, he could end up staying even longer.
Giggs was still contributing to title-winning squads in his 40s and Ronaldo is fit and professional enough to do the same.
Maybe it’s wise not to look to far ahead at this stage, with the excitement building over Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford.
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