Cristiano Ronaldo has
acknowledged that persistent knee problems force him to look after his
body more carefully as he gets older.
The 30-year-old has not missed a single minute of action so far this campaign for Madrid, while he hardly missed a game in 2014-15 as well.
However, that does not mean the knee problems that nearly kept him out of the 2013-14 Champions League final and away from the World Cup no longer cause him issues.
"There is not a single day without pain. Every player will say the same. It's part of the job and you have to deal with it," the Madrid star told Kicker.
"I
now realise things [what] I didn't realise when I was younger. I have
always tried to improve and you gain more experience over the years.
"When
I was 22, 23 years old, I often went out for dinner after a game and
got back home around three o' clock in the morning. I no longer do
things like that. I am going home early to look after myself in the best
way possible.
"Small details
make the difference. When you get older, you might lose some of your
physical abilities, but you get more mature. I live for football, look
after myself and train hard.
"There
is nothing in life that I enjoy more and my body is incredibly
important. That's why I look after myself and that's why I still play at
the highest level."
Ronaldo has netted 13 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions for Madrid this campaign.
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