Park Ji-sung admitted Cristiano Ronaldo’s red-hot return to Manchester United hasn’t surprised him in the slightest.
Speaking to Goal, the former Red Devils midfielder said he expected nothing less than the numbers Ronaldo has put in this season.
For virtually any other player, nearing the age of 40 means retirement is just around the corner.
Not for the Portugal captain, however, who could probably still entertain into his 50s.
The GOAT is glistening
Despite his amazing legacy, many doubted whether the attacker could cut the mustard in the Premier League once again.
How wrong we were.
Ronaldo continues to surpass expectations by scoring the sublime and the simple. He’s already on 12 goals for the campaign, shared between domestic and Champions League duties.
Regardless of that astonishing return, his achievements haven’t stunned one of his many fans.
“It’s not easy and very rare that a player comes back to United after previously spending his prime years at the club. But I thought if that could happen with a player, it could be Ronaldo,” said Park.
“This season, I saw him play against Tottenham in London. He scored an amazing goal in that game but I can’t even say it’s his best goal as he keeps scoring great goals – even since he returned to Man United.
“People say his performances are amazing even now at 36 years of age but, as a teammate who saw him doing all these things before, I believe it’s just a natural outcome, nothing surprising.”
Park: No surprise Ronaldo is replicating Manchester United form
Park is certainly suited to provide a Ronaldo review.
The pair played 92 times together at United, winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League.
Although the top division crown and EFL Cup are now out of reach for CR7 this season, he could well claim another continental trophy if Ralf Rangnick can mastermind the unthinkable.
That might not be as implausible as some might imagine. Rangnick has the competition’s all-time leading scorer in his ranks after all, not to mention a host of other household names.
If Ronaldo can lift the Champions League again, perhaps even Park will be taken aback.