Ricardo: Ronaldo has slowed slightly but remains a 'destroying machine'

Cristiano Ronaldo might have lost a tiny fraction of his peak speed, but former Portugal team-mate Ricardo says the legendary forward remains a lethal goalscoring machine. The two shared the pitch during the 2006 World Cup, where Portugal reached the semi-finals, and they are reunited today with Ricardo serving as the national team’s goalkeeper coach.

"The speed might not be the same, going at 200 km/h, he only goes at 195 km/h now," Ricardo joked, before explaining that the forward has successfully transformed from a pure winger into an absolute goalscoring machine. The 48-year-old coach emphasised that Ronaldo’s drive has not diminished.

"Comparing that player with 17 on his back and today with the 7 at 41 years old, I see the same dedication, the same commitment, the same concern for others, if they are well, and the same passion. As long as the physical, technical and mental qualities are there, Cris is a destroying machine, and with him, danger is always lurking.

Portugal

cristiano ronaldo, ricardo, portugal, goalkeeper coach, world cup, goalscoring machine, speed, winger, dedication, 41 years