Last month, Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record by moving into the fifth spot on the list of all-time record goalscorers. As if that wasn’t enough, Ronaldo matched a former Juventus player record by scoring in nine consecutive games for Serie A. Now the Portuguese star has scored in each of his last 10 Serie A matches despite not starting for Juventus 2-0 win over Brescia over the weekend.
The 35-year-old’s sensational form this season has seen the popular footballer score 24 goals and three assists in all competitions thus far this season. With his absence, the Old Lady managed to defeat bottom league club Brescia thanks to goals by Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado. The crucial three points send Juventus back to the top of the League table after coming second to Inter on goal difference.
With Lazio defeating Inter Milan 2-1 on Sunday, this is a boost for Sarri’s men. But they will still have to work hard to stay top of Serie A as Lazio are just one point beneath them. While Inter trail 3 points behind.
However, the question on everyone’s mind is, why didn’t Ronaldo play during the match? New reports out of Italy claim Ronaldo asked the manager Maurizio Sarri to be rested.
It appears as though Ronaldo may be focused on more than just the Serie A title. With a busy schedule coming up in the weeks to come the forward is said to be prepping for their first leg of their Champions League last tie against Lyon February 26. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will be returning to Champions League action later this month as the competitions all-time top scorer with 128 goals to his name.
Despite being rested on Saturday, the former Manchester United star has put an end to doubt on his fitness with claims he is still at his peak. Also adding that thanks to his physical ability he could play for another five seasons.
Earlier this month he told Spanish outlet Marca: “Much will depend on what I feel, on my motivation, because physically it will never be a problem.
“I am treating myself well and I think I can play safely up to 40 years.
“The most important factor, honestly, will be more psychological, it will be the one that will make the difference.”
Sarri would love nothing more than for Ronaldo to play for another five seasons as the Italian boss has discussed the importance of the Portuguese star after their 3-1 cup win over Roma last month, saying: “Ronaldo is in extraordinary physical and mental condition. He is continuing at an impressive pace and has extraordinary skills.”
“He is very well physically. In terms of explosiveness, he is good. He takes great care of the details. Ronaldo is a champion. We want to help him win the sixth Ballon d’Or. It would make us all happy”
Then next couple of weeks will be very crucial for Juventus as they are fighting to come out on top. Juventus will travel to Lyon for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on February 26. After this, a crucial match against Inter Milan that will potentially determine the title race winners will be held four days later on March 1.
After leaving Inter another crucial match comes up as Juve will face AC Milan in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final with both clubs currently at 1-1.
