Maurizio Sarri Tells Ageing Cristiano Ronaldo It Is Time To Quit

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has been criticised for some quiet displays since the restart after the coronavirus outbreak.

But the Portuguese superstar looked almost back to his best as Juventus thrashed Lecce 4-0 on Friday.

Juve boss Maurizio Sarri says he knows Ronaldo, who will turn 36 in February, needs to be wrapped in cotton wool – but trusts the ex-Man Utd star will also realise when it is time to quit.

Former Chelsea boss Sarri said after Friday’s win: “For us he is very important. He is powerful, one of the strongest centre forward in the world right now. He can be decisive for us at the end of the season.

“He had a difficult time on a personal and global level, because the coronavirus emergency hit him a lot and left a mark on him.

“He needs to improve after the break and he is doing so match after match.

“He needs to play a lot. In the future we will find the way to preserve him across matches or for some matches.

“He has returned, had a minor injury and is now getting back into shape. I am happy that he scored immediately, he is a player who will give us a lot in this season finale.

“He is great in listening to himself and he will realise when he will need to stop and rest. But now I think he fits quite well.”