Former Real Madrid fitness coach Giovanni Mauri has backed the 'out of the norm' Cristiano Ronaldo to play until the age of 40.
READ: Transfer Update: Ronaldo
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner turned 36 on Friday, but has shown no signs of slowing down as he sits top of the Serie A Golden Boot chart with 15 goals in 16 matches.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has bagged an impressive 12 goals in league goals for AC Milan at the age of 39, but Mauri has backed both to play beyond 40.
"When he arrived in Italy, I said he is a player out of the norm. He's settled in and he continues scoring. He is following the method we proposed him in Madrid where rest is a fundamental part of the training," Mauri told Tuttosport.
"Rest doesn't only mean to sleep. It's not passive, but it's made of specific exercises that aim to reach muscular, mental and articular wellness.
"I've worked with many footballers on their forties, from Maldini to Costacurta. When I was at PSG I was sure Ibrahimovic would have played until 40 years old. They are all athletes with great flexibility despite their strength.
"Ibra has got a dancer's mobility despite a weight of almost 100 kg. Cristiano Ronaldo is part of this category and can play until he's 40."
Check out where Ronaldo ranked among football's highest-paid stars in 2020:
