Playing football at the highest level well beyond the age of 40? Cristiano Ronaldo is convinced of this, and in an interview with ESPN Brazil he revealed the secret of his longevity.

"I'm happy, I want to continue and see what happens. If I can still play at 40, I can also play at 41, 42 ... But the most important thing is to enjoy the moment, the present," said the 36-year-old Portuguese.

“Genetically speaking, I'm not going to say that I feel like I'm 25, I'm not exaggerating. But it's like I'm 30. I take care of my body, my body and my spirit,” he added.

To the journalist who asked him if he could compare himself with other sports legends such as American football star Tom Brady (43) or tennis player Roger Federer (40), CR7 explained that these are "other sports, with different needs. ". "Longevity is a fascinating thing that I've been studying lately," he admitted.

The key to staying at the top, he said, is having "the intelligence" to "adapt" to new situations and "read the game well."

"I know my body and I have experience - he specified -. At each age group I have been able to adapt to new game philosophies. I am proud to hear that, at my age, I have managed to maintain the usual level of play. ".

"There is one thing I have learned over the years - the conclusion -: after 33, the body continues to hold up, if we take care of it. But the most difficult battle is on a mental level".

(Unioneonline / vl)

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