Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove his critics wrong with each passing day. A vast majority of fans expected the player to hang up his boots after a disastrous 2022 campaign. However, the Portuguese star has shown his drive and hunger at 38 as he’s turned things around by displaying some of his best performances. Al Nassr boss Luis Castro used the example to target critics who questioned Cristiano’s future in the game after his shambolic run with Portugal in the 2022 World Cup.

Cristiano has been in phenomenal shape despite closing in on his forties. The player has been firing on all cylinders, with the Al Nassr skipper emerging as the highest goal scorer in 2023. The Al Nassr’s skipper has also played a crucial role in his team’s hunt for the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr currently placed second on the points table.

Luis Castro refutes common perception against aging players

The Al Nassr boss in an interview with Chinese newspaper ‘Titan Sports’ commented on the fans questioning Ronaldo’s decision to continue playing despite his age. “I think that will never happen. If Cristiano is on a team, he is there to play. It’s not to be left out. That does not exist. The best are for playing, not for being left out. And quality has no age. Society understands that it must define when the end is.”

Castro then doubled down on his statement claiming only Ronaldo has the right to decide when he wants to stop playing. “But he’s the one who knows when he’s going to stop. It’s not society that will tell you. Not to him, not to anyone. Cristiano is still far from his limit; he is in excellent condition. And, I repeat, quality has no age. (Sourced from record. pt)

There is a lot of substance behind the manager’s statement, with Cristiano silencing his critics with his latest performances. The player has been in top shape so far for Al Nassr this season, netting 20 goals in the Saudi Pro League.

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Cristiano Ronaldo proves age is just a number

The Portuguese talisman continues to be an inspiration for emerging players worldwide. Despite touching his forties, Cristiano has maintained his physical peak, with the player putting on sublime performances one after another.

2023 was a special year for the Al Nassr skipper as the player emerged as the top goalscorer from the calendar year. The Portuguese star also put up some impressive figures throughout the year, making 59 appearances throughout 2023, playing over 5184 minutes.

Cristiano had 69-goal contributions across all competitions in 2023 and will look to improve on his figures this season. Do you think the Al Nassr skipper can break his record in 2024? Let us know in the comments below.

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