Former Portugal international Adrien Silva has told Cristiano Ronaldo that the Manchester United star could potentially play at the top level for another five years.
The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford in a sensational switch from Juventus last summer, and has continued to sparkle despite his advanced years. He has scored 22 goals in all competitions since sealing his emotional reunion with the Red Devils.
There have of course been questions over how long he could continue his stunning performances, particularly as he edges towards a potential retirement. However, his former Portugal teammate Adrien Silva has suggested that the forward could potentially be operating on the elite level until potentially 2027.
Speaking in an interview with Goal, he said: "Of course, it's not surprising because it's Ronaldo, but you do start thinking, 'Until what age can he keep doing this?'
"But his longevity is the most special thing about him. Of course, physically, with so many games, it can become more and more difficult. But he's still playing 60 or 70 games a year, and he's still in great shape.
"But even if he starts playing less games, he'll still be scoring. So, I think he could still end up playing for another four or five years at the top, which is crazy.
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"Because even after lifting so many trophies, and achieving so many things, he's never satisfied. He's still looking for more and more titles. And that's something that you can't take away from him. I'm just so happy to see him still shining."
Despite Ronaldo’s excellent goal-scoring displays at Old Trafford this season - the Portuguese is currently on a run of seven goals in his last four Premier League appearances - there have been questions over his long-term future at Manchester United. There were claims that he had elected to leave the club just a year after sealing a return amid disappointment with the club’s displays this term.
The Red Devils appear unlikely to be playing Champions League football next season with last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal seeing them fall six points behind in the race for a top four place. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s arrival has failed to inspire the club on the trophy front - it is now being five years since they claimed a piece of silverware.
Ronaldo originally penned a two-year contract in Manchester. Reports from Spanish outlet AS claim that he has elected to see out the rest of his deal.
He is set to play under his third United boss next term should he elect to stay, with Erik ten Hag set to take over as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s permanent replacement following Ralf Rangnick’s interim stint.
