Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra has weighed in on the enduring career of his ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting the 41-year-old forward still has at least two years of professional football left in him. Reflecting on the Portuguese icon’s legendary work ethic and unwavering passion for the sport, Evra famously remarked, “Cristiano Ronaldo has a nice disease!”
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr, is preparing for the upcoming season following an extended break after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The forward has been transparent about his primary goal: becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 professional goals. With his current tally sitting at 976, he is well-positioned to potentially hit that historic milestone by the conclusion of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Frenchman, who retired from professional football in 2019, spoke about his former colleague’s drive during a recent conversation with Heavy Sports via Stake. Evra’s assessment highlights the unique dedication that has allowed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to maintain his status as a testament to longevity in the modern game. This commitment remains the cornerstone of his approach as he enters another year with the Saudi Pro League side.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo recently made headlines for his personal life, confirming that he and Georgina Rodriguez were married in a private ceremony on August 11. Following the official announcement that silenced recent media speculation, the Al-Nassr captain has shifted his full focus back to his club duties. Upon his return to training, he received congratulations from teammates and coach Ange Postecoglou.
As the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Nassr are set to kick off their new season against Al-Fateh this Saturday. While Ronaldo has returned to the squad, it remains uncertain if he will feature in the starting XI for the opener, given that his post-World Cup break caused him to miss a significant portion of the team’s pre-season preparations.
Evra announced his retirement from football in 2019.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is gearing up for another season at the age of 41.
He has remained quite vocal about his desire to become the first player to score 1000 goals in professional football.
The duo shined together during their time at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League and Champions League among other trophies.
Cristiano Ronaldo has one objective on his mind now.
