Cristiano Ronaldo has proved over the years that age is just a number. The Portuguese talisman has showed no signs of stopping despite being thirty-eight. With the player maintaining impressive levels even at the final stages of his career, Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, was full of praise for the national icon, praising him for his development over the years.

Cristiano has led the charge from the front for both his club and country. The player has been the top scorer for Portugal and Al Nassr this season, showing that he still has what it takes to operate as one of the best at the highest level of competition.

Roberto Martinez praises Cristiano Ronaldo for his growth over the years

Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, in an interview with O Jogo newspaper, was talking about the quality present on his side. During the interview, Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo for growing with time and transitioning into the player he is today.

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Martinez stated, “Each player in the national team is very unique and particular. Cristiano is an influence. He’s contagious, he’s a born winner. He’s been in the national team for 20 years, but he’s joining a new player with the same obsession of being the best. I think in these 20 years later he stopped being the same player.”

He then added, “He is no longer a one-on-one athlete, with individual play, but the quality of movement in the area is superlative. It is impossible to compare with another player. No one had a period of 20 years like Cristiano Ronaldo. Pepe is also very similar. When they’re in training, it’s as if it’s the first time they’re in the national team. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.”

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Cristiano has undoubtedly improved his game over the years. While the younger version of the player focused more on his explosive pace and dribbling, recent years have seen the player evolve into a number nine.

Cristiano continues to impress despite his age

The Al Nassr skipper shows no signs of stopping despite being thirty-eight. Which is all the more impressive considering the average age of retirement in soccer is considered around 35. Cristiano has aged like fine wine, scoring over 400 goals after turning 30, which is more than most strikers manage throughout their entire careers. And let’s not forget the 3 consecutive champions leagues, nations league and European championship, all of which he achieved after turning 30.

He has also continued to deliver stunning performances in the Saudi Pro League. The ex-Manchester United star is also the top scorer in the league this season with 17 goals to his name, as well as 9 assists.

The player has been equally impressive for his national team this season. Cristiano has been the top scorer for his national team, with the player’s heroics helping Portugal maintain a 100% record during the Euro Cup Qualifiers. What do you think of Cristiano Ronaldo’s development over the years? Let us know in the comments below.

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