Carlo Ancelotti thinks "exceptional" Cristiano Ronaldo still has plenty to offer at the highest level amid doubts about his future.
Many believe Ronaldo, 37, is no longer the player he once was after failing to nail down a place in Erik ten Hag's team at Manchester United this season. The free agent was released from his contract by mutual consent in November after criticising the club.
Ronaldo has also been dropped by Portugal boss Fernando Santos at the World Cup. His replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 win against Switzerland, leaving his participation in Portugal's quarter-final against Morocco on Saturday in doubt.
Despite Ronaldo's recent tribulations, Ancelotti is still a huge fan of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo worked under the Italian at Real Madrid between 2013 and 2015, helping the Spanish giants win a coveted 10th European Cup - also known as "La Decima".
Ancelotti, who was re-appointed Real's manager in June 2021, told Mais Futebol : "Ronaldo’s last dance? I don’t know, he probably still feels like he’s 20 because he’s okay, he’s got the answers he’s looking for in his body.
"He’s always taken great care of your physique. However, the competition in the Portugal national team is very strong. I had him for two years, zero problems.
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"Actually, he solved my problems. Can someone who scores at least one goal per game be considered a problem? Cristiano trains very well, pays attention to detail, for me it was very easy to deal with. He’s an exceptional player."
Ancelotti's comments may strengthen links between Ronaldo and Real. The reigning European champions are among the favourites to re-sign him with the bookies. Ronaldo is Real's record scorer after finding the net 450 times in 438 games between 2009 and 2018.
Ronaldo is on the hunt for a new club after his messy Old Trafford exit, which unfolded after his sensational interview with Piers Morgan. He slammed United's owners the Glazers and Ten Hag, as well as the likes of Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and Ralf Rangnick.
Ronaldo will be eligible to join another club when the transfer window opens on January 1. As such, he is in no rush to decide on his future and is focusing his efforts on winning his first World Cup. At 37, this is likely to be his final chance of achieving that feat.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have reportedly offered Ronaldo a two-year contact worth a whopping €200million (£171.5m) per year. Yet a move to the Middle East would end the former Juventus forward's time in Europe, which remains the pinnacle of club football.
A transfer to a Major League Soccer club has also been muted, while Premier League sides Chelsea and Newcastle - as well as boyhood club Sporting Lisbon - have all been linked with Ronaldo in recent months. The Euro 2016 winner will turn 38 in February.
