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Juventus Legend Thinks Cristiano Ronaldo Is 'In Decline'

Juventus Legend Thinks Cristiano Ronaldo Is 'In Decline'

"Cristiano Ronaldo was a great player, but I think he's declining a little bit."

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

He may have scored 15 goals in 13 Serie A games for Juventus this season but Cristiano Ronaldo is in decline, according to former Inter Milan striker Roberto Boninsegna.

The 77-year-old, who played for both Inter and Juventus in the 70's, has controversially come out and said Ronaldo "was" a great player but is "declining a bit."

The stats, meanwhile, suggest Ronaldo is not in decline but rather resuming business as usual.

He has netted 22 times in 24 appearances so far for club and country this season, including a brace in the Champions League against Barcelona, as well as important goals against AS Roma and Lazio.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Boninsegna also claimed in the interview that Ronaldo isn't as decisive as Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku in front of goal, despite scoring three more goals than the Belgian forward in Serie A this season.

"The only Inter player who made things difficult for the Fiorentina defence was Lukaku, who had just returned." Boninsegna said via Marca.

"[They are a] Beautiful duo, Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo. I think Lukaku is a more decisive player. [It's] indisputable.

"Cristiano Ronaldo was a great player, but I think he's declining a little bit."

Image: PA
Image: PA


It's a controversial take to say the least but many people believe Cristiano Ronaldo can play until he's 40+ years of age, including Mick Clegg.

The former fitness coach worked with the 35-year-old during his iconic stint at Manchester United and since, he's kept himself in sublime physical condition thanks to a dedicated training regime.

Clegg believes there's no reason why he can't surpass former colleague Ryan Giggs, who retired at the age of 40 after playing a ridiculous 23 seasons of professional football.

"Before Ronaldo, the best athlete in terms of work on his body was Ryan Giggs," Clegg told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He was the strongest, the most attentive to details. If Giggs played at United until he was 40, Ronaldo can play till he is 41.

"Cristiano was the only one able to go beyond the high standards of Giggs."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Romelu Lukaku, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo, Inter Milan