Cristiano Ronaldo’s running stats have been under the microscope since he completed a sensational return to Manchester United last month and unsurprisingly, the 36-year-old forward doesn’t run as much as he did when he was 23.
The groundbreaking find by English media has sent fans on social media into a frenzy but the superstar forward has insisted he isn’t worried about the criticism aimed his way and instead used is at as fuel to prove doubters wrong.
🗣 "I see it as a good thing, if they worry about me it's because they know my potential."
Cristiano Ronaldo responds to the criticism that he has received regarding his work rate at Manchester United pic.twitter.com/tO1A7TOu6N
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 23, 2021
“You have to be smart,” Ronaldo said when asked if he has learned to adapt with age. “During my career, I have changed a few stuff about the way I play. This means that the other stuff that you lose, other stuff you gain more experience.
“The criticism is part of the business. I’m not worried about that, we see many examples. I see it as a good thing, to be honest. If they worry about me or speak about me, it’s because they know my potential and value in football still.”
Stretty News Verdict
Ronaldo is a proven goalscorer and his addition to any squad comes with its perks. In his first eight games since his second coming was confirmed on deadline day last month, the superstar forward has scored six times and that form is showing no signs of slowing up.
The criticism of his running stats are unfounded not even the stats themselves back the argument up. Romelu Lukaku, for comparison, runs less than Ronaldo over 90 minutes.
