FIFA Confederations Cup 2017: 5 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should not feature in the tournament

Modified Jun 12, 2017 12:24 GMT

FUNCHAL, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL - MARCH 28: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in action during the International friendly match between Portugal and Sweden at Barreiros stadium on March 28, 2017 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) — Ronaldo will lead Portugal in the 2017 Confederations Cup

#2 Knock-on burnout effects could follow next season

Portugal v France - Final: UEFA Euro 2016 : News Photo — Ronaldo needs plenty of rest in the offseason but he is unlikely to get it

Having had very little rest time following a long and competitive season with Los Merengues which saw Ronaldo help the club win the league title and the UCL crown for an unprecedented second consecutive season, it will be interesting to see how his involvement in the Confed Cup affects him next season.

Ronaldo has defied expectations time and again throughout his career – redefining himself time and again, but at 32 years of age, time is not on his side.

How long will he be able to keep hitting insane goal numbers and playing regularly at the highest level?

Madrid will want him fresh for as long as possible next season, but without ample rest time – especially with Portugal expected to go far – he could experience the knock-on effects of burnout at the most inopportune time once 2017/18 rolls into focus.

Edited by Staff Editor