Cristiano Ronaldo Is a Fitness 'Scholar' and 'Monster,' Says Star's Surgeon

Jose Carlos Noronha, a doctor for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, has hailed the fitness of the forward, describing him as a “scholar” and a “monster.”

According to Iain Strachan of Goal, Ronaldo has been a regular patient of Dr. Noronha’s, and so have former Los Blancos team-mate Angel Di Maria and compatriot Pepe. 

Speaking about the former Manchester United man to Portuguese outlet Tribuna Expresso, the knee surgeon had high praise for the condition of Ronaldo and the interest he takes in keeping himself in shape, per Bleacher Report UK:

The 31-year-old is renowned for his physicality on the football pitch. Not only does Ronaldo possess superb technical qualities, he has sharp acceleration, incredible strength and a towering leap, meaning there’s rarely a defender who can get the best of him.

In addition to these qualities, Ronaldo is also extremely durable. The panache with which he plays can often lead to defenders taking a swing at him, although he rarely misses significant spells of the season due to knocks.

Indeed, according to Transfermarkt.com, the most games Ronaldo has missed as a result of an injury in a row for Madrid is nine, due to an ankle problem in 2009.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

The Portuguese sat out Madrid's first game of the La Liga season on Sunday, as he continues his recuperation following the problem he suffered in the final of UEFA European Championship this summer.

Ahead of Saturday's meeting with Celta Vigo on Saturday, Ronaldo posted a clip of himself performing running drills on Instagram with an accompanying message that read, "Soon I will be back."