Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo keen to remain at the 'highest level for years to come' but former Manchester United star admits: 'I cannot do the things I did when I was 20 years old'
- Cristiano Ronaldo admits that his body is incapable of doing what it did aged 20
- The Real Madrid legend has only scored eight times in 17 La Liga games this term
- But he says: 'I feel I can maintain myself at the highest level for years to come'
The 2017-18 season has been one of Cristiano Ronaldo's worst but the Real Madrid star is convinced he can be competitive at the top level for many years to come.
Ronaldo has only scored eight goals in his first 17 La Liga outings this term, after netting 285 times in 248 games across the previous eight campaigns.
Despite his poor domestic form, Ronaldo was keen to remind Italy's GQ magazine that he has won two Champions League titles, one La Liga crown and Euro 2016 in the last two years. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2016 and 2017.
Cristiano Ronaldo's domestic form has been well below his very high standards this season
The 33-year-old Real Madrid icon has only scored eight goals in 17 La Liga matches so far
His form prior to this season was stunning, helping him win Ballon d'Or titles for 2016 and 2017
'On a personal level, this moment is fantastic. My family is growing, I feel very happy with my life,' he said. 'On a professional level I have had two very good years in which I have won titles with my club and with the national team, and I feel I can maintain myself at the highest level for years to come.'
But Ronaldo admitted that his body is not as reliable as it once was and that he has had to adapt his game accordingly.
'Life is a continuous challenge from every point of view,' the 33-year-old added. 'It is very interesting, especially for a sportsman.
'I try to be at my peak physical level because it is very important for my profession. I have to be at 100 per cent and I take it very seriously.
'Now, I don't do the same things I did 10 years ago. To maintain yourself at this level you must make sacrifices.
'I can no longer do certain things, surely I cannot do the things I did when I was 20 years old. We must always find a balance. Even the small details make a difference.'
Ronaldo was terrorising Premier League defences on behalf of Manchester United at the age of 20.
He scored 84 goals in 196 PL outings for United, playing chiefly as a wideman.
Portuguese fitness fanatic Ronaldo has admitted: 'I cannot do the things I did when I was 20'
Ronaldo was playing as a winger in England for Manchester United when he was 20 years old
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