Louis Saha believes Cristiano Ronaldo can still thrive at Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old continues to score at more than a goal a game in his current season in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, but his place in the Portuguese national team is questioned given his age and how well he can press his opponents.
However, he shows no inclination of stepping back from international forward and he is expected to go to Germany with Portugal.
Speaking to OLBG , Saha believes he remains one of the best in the sport.
He said: “He will have to be managed differently than he has been over the years, but Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely still one of the best strikers in the world because he's so focused.
“People challenge his fitness and his age, but 80% of it is mental strength and advice you get from your manager on how to disrupt the opposition and I would say he’s the best in the world for that.
“Also for getting his team-mates to play at 100%, he doesn’t allow anyone to drop under that standard because he is still so motivated to win trophies and to win another trophy with his country.
“That's a great asset for the manager, but you have to deal with him differently because he's such a character.
“In terms of scoring goals he’s the best in the box, the way he makes his runs attracts plenty of attention to make space for his team-mates too, sometimes the character can be difficult to manage which leads to debate but I think he is one of the guarantees Portugal need in their squad.
“It's a guarantee that he’s going to score goals. I am convinced the manager understands that and respects that.
“If Ronaldo thinks he’s going to have a pivotal role and play every minute then I think that’s wrong, he has to understand that he is sharing the responsibility and that’s his way forward in the national team.
“But I believe in him, not because I played with him but because I see what he is trying to do and see how he still celebrates every goal.
“He wants to be a real asset and he’s not stupid, he understands that things are moving and his legs and flow might not be what they used to be. He’s not superhuman and he understands that but he’s still showing that he is capable of things nobody could’ve imagined at his age.”
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