The comprehensive Ronaldo thread

[shamans]

The thing is I really don't believe the quoted number, surely they not daft enough to offer him that much , it just doesn't make sense.

If it turns out to be true, good luck to him I guess, he'll die as a wealthy man if he wasn't going to already.

They will make the money back. You really think they are paying for Ronaldo as some push to win the league. They might be hoping this convinces Ronaldo to invest in Saudi as part of his future business ventures.

If nothing else, if Ronaldo can live in Saudi for a year the PR alone is enough. It now makes it realistic for celebrities to stay there for at least a week to conduct events/concerts and what not.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

It's bizarre that he's become this bad so quickly. When he came back I was sceptical until that debut against Newcastle. That run, touch to control the ball from Shaw, and finish for his second goal made me jump around thinking "this cnut is a machine". He had his ups and downs last season but nothing like this season has been, which is nothing short of a failure.

I know he's had personal issues but like others say there's a plethora of reasons that can add up to his decline. He's been the pinnacle of physical fitness and discipline for his entire career but eventually that strain just rips you apart. A 37 year old isn't "old" by normal standards but for a professional athlete it's getting towards the end, and he just couldn't accept a bit part role. He's killed himself effectively.

He's also a cnut. I say that in a loving way, but he's a massive cnut. His ego can't handle not being the undisputed GOAT. He's in the discussion, quite clearly, but I doubt his post Real career went close to how he expected it to. He probably expected to win the CL a couple of more times, have more of an impact in the Euros and World Cups. For a player who was still chasing Messi for many things he's seen those opportunities come and go. He'll never get that time back, but he's still clutching to this fantasy that he can somehow turn back the clock.

 

[shamans]

What is this obsession with trying to downplay Ronaldo's contribution the whole time.
I saw someone on another thread trying to say he didn't have many "memorable" moments with us first time round (despite then listing about 10 himself).

I'm half expecting someone to say those 400-500 goals in Spain were all against the likes of a Moyes United team next

Aye, it’s gone fecking nuts now.

Soon Madrid would’ve won all those CL without him, proved by their CL win when he left.

Give it another few months and I swear you’d think posters were talking about Luke Chadwick.

Admittedly, its an awkward time for anyone who was/is a fan of the player Ronaldo. He has acted like a real weirdo to say the very list. That coupled with his terrible football on the pitch has given his long time haters a perfect opportunity to go ballistic. That's where you see the weird opinions like having nothing to do with the Euros, no memorable moments etc.

His career will be remembered for what it truly was in a few years time when the dust settles. No one is going to be complimenting Ronaldo right now.

 

[shamans]

It's bizarre that he's become this bad so quickly. When he came back I was sceptical until that debut against Newcastle. That run, touch to control the ball from Shaw, and finish for his second goal made me jump around thinking "this cnut is a machine". He had his ups and downs last season but nothing like this season has been, which is nothing short of a failure.

I know he's had personal issues but like others say there's a plethora of reasons that can add up to his decline. He's been the pinnacle of physical fitness and discipline for his entire career but eventually that strain just rips you apart. A 37 year old isn't "old" by normal standards but for a professional athlete it's getting towards the end, and he just couldn't accept a bit part role. He's killed himself effectively.

He's also a cnut. I say that in a loving way, but he's a massive cnut. His ego can't handle not being the undisputed GOAT. He's in the discussion, quite clearly, but I doubt his post Real career went close to how he expected it to. He probably expected to win the CL a couple of more times, have more of an impact in the Euros and World Cups. For a player who was still chasing Messi for many things he's seen those opportunities come and go. He'll never get that time back, but he's still clutching to this fantasy that he can somehow turn back the clock.

In your mid/late 30s when the decline hits it hits hard and fast.

 

[Sandikan]

Admittedly, its an awkward time for anyone who was/is a fan of the player Ronaldo. He has acted like a real weirdo to say the very list. That coupled with his terrible football on the pitch has given his long time haters a perfect opportunity to go ballistic. That's where you see the weird opinions like having nothing to do with the Euros, no memorable moments etc.

His career will be remembered for what it truly was in a few years time when the dust settles. No one is going to be complimenting Ronaldo right now.

Between him and his PR team they've played the absolute opposite of a blinder from the summer to now.

Literally the only thing they could have done worse would be a Heinze-esque attempt to move to Liverpool, or slating the big man Fergie.

 

[Zen]

Surely, he's not gonna retire before the marketing bonanza that 'Ronaldo 200' will bring? Even if it comes via 4 1 minute cameos. And by the time they've come, you are practically a year away from 2024 anyway.

I think he's desperate, in his mind at least, to get to 2026, for again, marketing and wealth reasons. But the past 8 months or so have come at him very hard, he'd still be a capable players in the MLS in 2026 though, but Portugal has depth, so is that even good enough....

 

[Sandikan]

It's bizarre that he's become this bad so quickly. When he came back I was sceptical until that debut against Newcastle. That run, touch to control the ball from Shaw, and finish for his second goal made me jump around thinking "this cnut is a machine". He had his ups and downs last season but nothing like this season has been, which is nothing short of a failure.

I know he's had personal issues but like others say there's a plethora of reasons that can add up to his decline. He's been the pinnacle of physical fitness and discipline for his entire career but eventually that strain just rips you apart. A 37 year old isn't "old" by normal standards but for a professional athlete it's getting towards the end, and he just couldn't accept a bit part role. He's killed himself effectively.

The older you get, the more you have to get the build up and recovery right.
In pre-season when he should have been getting up to speed for another demanding season, he was messing about trying to get a move.

That meant he came back not at the right fitness level, and any player will tell you it's a huge game of catch up if you miss it.
I think that aside took the edge from last season away. Obviously we all know last season's version of Ronaldo is levels below the real one etc.

And you're spot on about the age being relative to pro sport etc.
I know a 41 year old pal who just ran a 31:17 10k today, so it always amuses me when people suggest footballers over 30 can't run etc.

 

[Ladron de redcafe]

Most objective take/thread I've seen on where he stands right now heading in 2023.

He's very much at a crossroads in his career

How can someone give the ball 5 times with 10 touches?

 

[captaincantona]

What is this obsession with trying to downplay Ronaldo's contribution the whole time.
I saw someone on another thread trying to say he didn't have many "memorable" moments with us first time round (despite then listing about 10 himself).

Getting some flak for this because I’m being misquoted extensively. What I said was first and foremost, my greatest memories as a Utd fan don’t involve him. Not that I don’t like him - just that they don’t involve him. I then asked the question how many truly memorable moments he had at Utd - that would make a persons “all time great” list. I named his goal in Porto as possibly being his only one that gets near my list. I then said people struggled to name more.

People also started to name great goals and achievements. Which I never questioned once. But a great goal does not automatically equate to a greatest memory…in club this huge with so many amazing moments and achievements…imo. There is a distinction. It’s not really that controversial. His FK v Portsmouth or Arsenal were unbelievable…but they are nowhere near my greatest Utd memories. Is that so outlandish?

 

[Sandikan]

Getting some flak for this because I’m being misquoted extensively. What I said was first and foremost, my greatest memories as a Utd fan don’t involve him. Not that I don’t like him - just that they don’t involve him. I then asked the question how many truly memorable moments he had at Utd - that would make a persons “all time great” list. I named his goal in Porto as possibly being his only one that gets near my list. I then said people struggled to name more.

People also started to name great goals and achievements. Which I never questioned once. But a great goal does not equate a greatest memory…imo. There is a distinction. It’s not really that controversial. His FK v Portsmouth or Arsenal were unbelievable…but they are nowhere near my greatest Utd memories. Is that so outlandish?

This sounds more reasonable.

Ronaldo's top moments don't make your own personal list of favourite memories.
That by definition is totally personal to you.

If Phil Jones heading an ankle high ball is one of your favourite moments for instance, fair play.

The original post did read more like you were dismissing him as not having any great moments, which of course would be more a ridiculous view.
But if that's not what you meant fair enough.

 

[Adam-Utd]

And you're spot on about the age being relative to pro sport etc.
I know a 41 year old pal who just ran a 31:17 10k today, so it always amuses me when people suggest footballers over 30 can't run etc.

Long distance is very different to short, sharp bursts required in football.

Going in 1 straight line at a set speed is relatively simple if you have good fitness

 

[TheNewEra]

Most objective take/thread I've seen on where he stands right now heading in 2023.

He's very much at a crossroads in his career

I wouldn't be surprised with a "shock retirement" from football honestly, but I think he should milk the last playing days for all the money he can get at this point, life post football isn't often that great for footballers.

Ronaldo will continue to be super famous but finding something outside of football I think will be really difficult.

I can't see him in management, or at an executive level. His next steps after football I really can't place him.

Maybe an ambassador role one day, at something like FIFA or UEFA who knows.

 

[Sandikan]

I wouldn't be surprised with a "shock retirement" from football honestly, but I think he should milk the last playing days for all the money he can get at this point, life post football isn't often that great for footballers.

Ronaldo will continue to be super famous but finding something outside of football I think will be really difficult.

I can't see him in management, or at an executive level. His next steps after football I really can't place him.

Maybe an ambassador role one day, at something like FIFA or UEFA who knows.

2 years in Saudi or somewhere for £200m suddenly seems a wise move.

Then turn up on Sky Sports barking some cliches out alongside a 93 year old Sourness.

 

[nuanced]

They will make the money back. You really think they are paying for Ronaldo as some push to win the league. They might be hoping this convinces Ronaldo to invest in Saudi as part of his future business ventures.

Ronaldo investing 50% of his net worth (post his hypothetical Saudi stint) back into Saudi, where he doesn't have strong(or any?) portfolio is pure fantasy.

If nothing else, if Ronaldo can live in Saudi for a year the PR alone is enough. It now makes it realistic for celebrities to stay there for at least a week to conduct events/concerts and what not.

If PR is such a big thing why haven't Sporting gone in for him, despite all the synergies for both parties:

• Best possible PR - national great coming back to the place where it all began. Massive boost to their viewership from within and without Portugal.
• Have a team which caters to providing solely for him (more likely than the likes of Bayern and Chelsea)
• Ronaldo gets to bang in goals at CL group games for a few years and widen gap with Messi.

 

[Zen]

And you're spot on about the age being relative to pro sport etc.
I know a 41 year old pal who just ran a 31:17 10k today, so it always amuses me when people suggest footballers over 30 can't run etc.

I'd dare say most top level footballers 35 and above would match this with reasonably short term training plan and it's an ultra elite time that'd require anyone else years to hit. It's the twisting and turning, the sprinting and speed of the follow up recoveries that people mean when you can't run anymore in Football terms.

 

[nuanced]

I wouldn't be surprised with a "shock retirement" from football honestly, but I think he should milk the last playing days for all the money he can get at this point, life post football isn't often that great for footballers.

His networth is pegged at 500 M. He or his next handful of lines of descendants won't be forced to work, to live and eat.

Even if didn't have all that money, he is an all time legend, and he will be well looked after till he dies like Pele.

 

[Sandikan]

I'd dare say most top level footballers 35 and above would match this with reasonably short term training plan and it's an ultra elite time that'd require anyone else years to hit. It's the twisting and turning, the sprinting and speed of the follow up recoveries that people mean when you can't run anymore in Football terms.

You'd be hilariously wrong on the former. But spot on on the latter.

 

[Raiden Shogun]

The hate for him is way OTT.

Clearly what happened off the pitch has effected him, he's always been self centred and a diva but that Piers Morgan interview was ridiculous even for him. It's as if he told his PR team to feck off and is going all out on raw emotion. Very sad to see his bridges at United burned in such a way as he never really got the love at Madrid he would of, had he stayed at Old Trafford.

Also his decline really hasn't been that sudden. If people had actually watched him towards the end at Madrid and Juve especially instead of fanboying him and reading only score sheets, they would see the decline in his all round game.

As a cule, he was our nemesis for many years and he ran Messi pretty close, I respect him and hope he can find happiness when he does hang up the boots. Hope he doesn't go to Saudi league though, go with Leo to the MLS.

 

[KeanoMagicHat]

The older you get, the more you have to get the build up and recovery right.
In pre-season when he should have been getting up to speed for another demanding season, he was messing about trying to get a move.

That meant he came back not at the right fitness level, and any player will tell you it's a huge game of catch up if you miss it.
I think that aside took the edge from last season away. Obviously we all know last season's version of Ronaldo is levels below the real one etc.

And you're spot on about the age being relative to pro sport etc.
I know a 41 year old pal who just ran a 31:17 10k today, so it always amuses me when people suggest footballers over 30 can't run etc.

It's also because of how many games he's played, Ronaldo's made no effort to protect himself, I think of him playing games for Portugal against Luxembourg in the qualifiers last year for example when he should have retired. He's now played the 6th most games of any player in history, 1,181 which is an outlandish number, the most of any outfielder in history and nearly all elite games. All the elite players around him for appearances are goalkeepers and Xavi/Carlos - who wracked up quite a few in Turkey, Qatar and Brazil at a lower level.

People talk about Ryan Giggs and Maldini when they think longevity, but Ronaldo has now played 140 games more than them. And both them retired from international football to extend their club careers. It's kinda strange when people say that it's sad that Ronaldo is seeing out his career in Saudi Arabia as if he hasn't played enough games or been around enough years, it's a minor miracle he is, the idea when he started his career at United that he'd still be playing in 2022 would have seemed bonkers. A child that was 5 years old at the start of his brilliant 2006/07 United season would now be 21

 

[Kelly15]

TBF Ronaldo cant be blamed for being injured in the euro final. He helped get them there. Of course he made it all about him by playing coach on the sidelines.

Ronaldo may have helped but so did Nani. I think Nani's contributions to that Euro cup win are so underrated.

"Nani scored Portugal's first goal in the last match of the group stage, a 3–3 draw against Hungary on 22 June, to help the team qualify for the knockout round. He then contributed to the only goal of the match in a 1–0 extra-time victory in the round of 16 against Croatia on 25 June. During their quarter-final match on 30 June against Poland, Nani set up Renato Sanches' goal in regulation time and later scored Portugal's fourth penalty in an eventual 5–3 shoot-out victory, following a 1–1 draw after extra-time. In the semi-finals against Wales on 6 July, he scored the second goal in a 2–0 victory. In the final against host-nation France on 10 July, Nani was awarded the captain's armband after Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off in the opening 25 minutes of the match following a challenge from Dimitri Payet. During extra-time, substitute Eder scored in the 109th minute to earn Portugal a 1–0 victory."

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Getting some flak for this because I’m being misquoted extensively. What I said was first and foremost, my greatest memories as a Utd fan don’t involve him. Not that I don’t like him - just that they don’t involve him. I then asked the question how many truly memorable moments he had at Utd - that would make a persons “all time great” list. I named his goal in Porto as possibly being his only one that gets near my list. I then said people struggled to name more.

People also started to name great goals and achievements. Which I never questioned once. But a great goal does not automatically equate to a greatest memory…in club this huge with so many amazing moments and achievements…imo. There is a distinction. It’s not really that controversial. His FK v Portsmouth or Arsenal were unbelievable…but they are nowhere near my greatest Utd memories. Is that so outlandish?

To be fair we asked you to list out amazing moments for a few players and you completely ignored it so I’ll try again.

Give me your Paul Scholes amazing memories, Roy Keane, Rio and Rooney.

 

[Sandikan]

It's also because of how many games he's played, Ronaldo's made no effort to protect himself, I think of him playing games for Portugal against Luxembourg in the qualifiers last year for example when he should have retired. He's now played the 6th most games of any player in history, 1,181 which is an outlandish number, the most of any outfielder in history and nearly all elite games. All the elite players around him for appearances are goalkeepers and Xavi/Carlos - who wracked up quite a few in Turkey, Qatar and Brazil at a lower level.

People talk about Ryan Giggs and Maldini when they think longevity, but Ronaldo has now played 140 games more than them. And both them retired from international football to extend their club careers. It's kinda strange when people say that it's sad that Ronaldo is seeing out his career in Saudi Arabia as if he hasn't played enough games or been around enough years, it's a minor miracle he is, the idea when he started his career at United that he'd still be playing in 2022 would have seemed bonkers. A child that was 5 years old at the start of his brilliant 2006/07 United season would now be 21

I think the Saudi Arabia scorn comes from the idea that he'd be ditching us for a better bet in the champions league.
When suddenly that's not even a thought.

I guess none of us will ever understand why he didn't just stick with us this season, make the best of it, be a positive influence, score another 10 or so and cement himself top 10 in our goalscoring history. Then any move would be much more positive.

But I suppose none of us have that mentality of having been the best. To then be left out for Martial or Rashy or someone would not feel right. Especially not having scored 24 last season in a mess of a team etc

 

[Sandikan]

To be fair we asked you to list out amazing moments for a few players and you completely ignored it so I’ll try again.

Give me your Paul Scholes amazing memories, Roy Keane, Rio and Rooney.

If he says his Scholesy one is that shot of his balls hanging out of his shorts, you'll regret asking

 

[giorno]

Very sad to see his bridges at United burned in such a way as he never really got the love at Madrid he would of, had he stayed at Old Trafford.

Yes, i can see how a Barcelona fan would much rather he stayed in Manchester instead of winning 4 CL with Real Madrid...

Madridismo has been in mourning on social media since yesterday...

Also his decline really hasn't been that sudden.

It definitely has though. He was still a very good striker just towards the end of last season. Now he's a relic

 

[Gavinb33]

It's also because of how many games he's played, Ronaldo's made no effort to protect himself, I think of him playing games for Portugal against Luxembourg in the qualifiers last year for example when he should have retired. He's now played the 6th most games of any player in history, 1,181 which is an outlandish number, the most of any outfielder in history and nearly all elite games. All the elite players around him for appearances are goalkeepers and Xavi/Carlos - who wracked up quite a few in Turkey, Qatar and Brazil at a lower level.

People talk about Ryan Giggs and Maldini when they think longevity, but Ronaldo has now played 140 games more than them. And both them retired from international football to extend their club careers. It's kinda strange when people say that it's sad that Ronaldo is seeing out his career in Saudi Arabia as if he hasn't played enough games or been around enough years, it's a minor miracle he is, the idea when he started his career at United that he'd still be playing in 2022 would have seemed bonkers. A child that was 5 years old at the start of his brilliant 2006/07 United season would now be 21

Yep his insane international games played record is ridiculous nigh on 200 games and multiples of goals against the likes of Lithuania and for what just another record for himself.

Portugal could get away with not playing him in lots of games over the past 4/5 years but then again his ego wouldn't allow that to happen as we have seen.

As for the running thing that was brought up, I am 41 now my PB for 5k is just under 24 minutes and I do that or close to fairly easily, when I play 5 aside generally after 25 minutes I am proper fecked and take my stint in goal gladly

 

[Zen]

You'd be hilariously wrong on the former. But spot on on the latter.

I don't think so. 10k is a good ball park for pro footballers to go out and do. Dennis Wise for instance at 38 ran a 2.08 800m, 20 years ago on Superstars, and they are ludicriously fitter now.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

The older you get, the more you have to get the build up and recovery right.
In pre-season when he should have been getting up to speed for another demanding season, he was messing about trying to get a move.

That meant he came back not at the right fitness level, and any player will tell you it's a huge game of catch up if you miss it.
I think that aside took the edge from last season away. Obviously we all know last season's version of Ronaldo is levels below the real one etc.

And you're spot on about the age being relative to pro sport etc.
I know a 41 year old pal who just ran a 31:17 10k today, so it always amuses me when people suggest footballers over 30 can't run etc.

Like you say, it's about getting that recovery right. I did a 10k this year and finished it in 57:26. To give some context my best is, I think, 56:30 and that was when I was 25/26. So in the space of ten years I've only lost 56 seconds.

But, fecking hell, two days later I couldn't get out of bed without my wife dragging me out. Even my balls hurt. I probably waited about three weeks before I went for even a ten minute jog. Whereas when I was 25/26 and ran the 10k I remember doing Tough Mudder the Saturday after, and running around on the Sunday taking photos of my then girlfriend's group who were doing the half race.

In your mid/late 30s when the decline hits it hits hard and fast.

Tell me about it . Can't even eat a single Toblerone triangle nowadays without my tits getting bigger.

 

[Sandikan]

I don't think so. 10k is a good ball park for pro footballers to go out and do. Dennis Wise for instance at 38 ran a 2.08 800m, 20 years ago on Superstars, and they are ludicriously fitter now.

That's a good time, but is comparing Middle distance to long distance for one. And you said "most", which I'm pretty sure would not be the case at all.

I dare say most pro footballers could do a decent time, but not a sensational time.

 

[Sandikan]

Like you say, it's about getting that recovery right. I did a 10k this year and finished it in 57:26. To give some context my best is, I think, 56:30 and that was when I was 25/26. So in the space of ten years I've only lost 56 seconds.

But, fecking hell, two days later I couldn't get out of bed without my wife dragging me out. Even my balls hurt. I probably waited about three weeks before I went for even a ten minute jog. Whereas when I was 25/26 and ran the 10k I remember doing Tough Mudder the Saturday after, and running around on the Sunday taking photos of my then girlfriend's group who were doing the half race.



Tell me about it . Can't even eat a single Toblerone triangle nowadays without my tits getting bigger.

Decent account of the woe of age.

I would add to that by saying that I now turn up at races feeling like I used to finish them

 

[Mr Pigeon]

If he says his Scholesy one is that shot of his balls hanging out of his shorts, you'll regret asking

My favourite Scholes moment was when they were in training and Sir Alex said to him "do you see that tree over there?" Scholes said yeah and grabbed a football. Fergie said "that tree was looking at your daughter's toes" so Scholes launched a 200 foot long ball towards the tree. Smashed the tree"s head clean off. Tree family started screaming, Scholes and Fergie laughed. Scholes spent twenty years in Strangeways playing chess with Charles Bronson.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

Decent account of the woe of age.

I would add to that by saying that I now turn up at races feeling like I used to finish them

holy shit now that you mention it!

 

[Fortitude]

Apart from missing pre-season, Ronaldo, surprisingly, did not modify his game and cater to a few of his advantages fading.

He had modified his game masterfully to always get the optimum performance and game out of the body he was in at various ages, but it's looked like 37 into 38-year old Ronaldo either doesn't want to, or can't, make the adjustment(s) and is still trying to play in a way his body cannot execute what his brain wants it to do anymore.

He still has a magnificent leap and surely his heading and timing has not completely gone to pot? He should still have superior movement in his runs and connecting to squared balls and crosses by reading the play rather than aggressively trying to meet it - in ways he simply can't - like he used to.

I think ego has a lot to do with what's happening, however; he is trying to show he still has 'it' and is the same Ronaldo when he clearly isn't. If he really wants to continue outside of a retirement league, he'll need to analyse himself, his capabilities and work towards playing in the manner that facilitates what he is. He'll also have to find a team who are prepared to entertain that or feel it's worth their time putting up with his ego as well as the restricted game. I doubt he has the humility to rein so many things in and give it a go.

 

[Sandikan]

holy shit now that you mention it!

It's a funny game running isn't it. You're talking times in the mid 50s for 10k and happy to be consistent with a decade ago.
Whereas the guy earlier is trying to dismiss my 41 year old pal doing 31:17 as seemingly anything any twat can do

 

[Sandikan]

I don't think so. 10k is a good ball park for pro footballers to go out and do. Dennis Wise for instance at 38 ran a 2.08 800m, 20 years ago on Superstars, and they are ludicriously fitter now.

I was still a little surprised at your comment, so went and checked the stats.

Just 15 runners before today over 40 have run 31.17 or quicker this year (and just 40 in the V35-40 category - although you brought it down to that age range).

Yet you think most pro footballers with a few weeks training are going to match this standard from proper dyed in the wool national and sub national level runners who have dedicated years to it!

 

[Zen]

That's a good time, but is comparing Middle distance to long distance for one. And you said "most", which I'm pretty sure would not be the case at all.

I dare say most pro footballers could do a decent time, but not a sensational time.

And I stick to it, I did say top level too, I mean it's up to you if you want to include goalies, who I wouldn't rule out either(Ben Fosters got some seriously elite amateur worthy cycling times for instance). But for outfield, in the Prem by my definition that have played this season - Ronaldo, Vardy, Milner, Young, Ream, Moutinho and Silva. I'm reasonably happy to suggest they'd be around that number.

I mean we're going off track

 

[Sandikan]

Apart from missing pre-season, Ronaldo, surprisingly, did not modify his game and cater to a few of his advantages fading.

When you say this, what do you mean?
What area of his game should he have changed? Most of circa 2021/2 Ronaldo's game is being ready for crosses or picking it up just outside the box.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

It's a funny game running isn't it. You're talking times in the mid 50s for 10k and happy to be consistent with a decade ago.
Whereas the guy earlier is trying to dismiss my 41 year old pal doing 31:17 as seemingly anything any twat can do

Yeah but I was morbidly obese until I was about 21 so I have knees made out of butter. When I did lose the weight I also packed on a lot of muscle because it was the only way I could discipline myself to stick to a proper regime, so at my lightest I was still about 14 stone. I once tried to outpace myself and spent the next six months on painkillers. All because teenage me was a stupid fat 22 stone bastard.

31:17 is unbelievably elite and fair fecks to him. I've always just been happy competing with myself. I would see people like your friend (maybe not as good as that time) and I'm going to assume he's a slim fella? Probably dedicates a lot of his time purely to running as well I bet. The average twat spends more time flipping through Netflix than he does training.

Then we have Ronaldo. Super human who has discovered quite quickly that missing pre season and trying to do the same things he did a decade ago just isn't going to cut it.

 

[Kelly15]

To be fair we asked you to list out amazing moments for a few players and you completely ignored it so I’ll try again.

Give me your Paul Scholes amazing memories, Roy Keane, Rio and Rooney.

Oh I want to give you mine.
Paul Scholes - semi final goal against Barcelona in the CL. 2008
Roy Keane - That performance against Juventus 1999. Plus that goal.
Rio- goal vs Liverpool 2006.
Rooney - His hat trick on his debut in the UCL.
Cantona- that goal against Sunderland. What a special moment. Still sends shivers down my spine.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy - that goal vs Fulham 2003.
Nani - that goal vs Chelsea. What a howitzer of a strike.
RvP - That stunning volley from a 40 -50 yard pass from Rooney against Aston Villa.
Giggs- That goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final.
Ole - 1999 CL final.
That's just taking one memory from each player. I have many more from each. Plus many more players to mention.

 

[Zen]

It's a funny game running isn't it. You're talking times in the mid 50s for 10k and happy to be consistent with a decade ago.
Whereas the guy earlier is trying to dismiss my 41 year old pal doing 31:17 as seemingly anything any twat can do

If you see being in the same place as some of the fittest 35 to 40 years olds on the PLANET is 'dismissing' ... than that's on you. I'm incredibly impressed with your mates times, but I also appreciated how incredibly fit anyone still playing top level football at that age is (<--- which you dismiss actually )

 

[Fortitude]

When you say this, what do you mean?
What area of his game should he have changed? Most of circa 2021/2 Ronaldo's game is being ready for crosses or picking it up just outside the box.

He's still trying to make the old runs and movements he isn't capable of anymore - runs that saw him score an obscene amount of goals in the past and are probably hardwired to his brain.

He'll need to read play in a different way to be effective and not look as washed as he does. I'd liken it to how Shearer completely switched up his play as his body fell apart.