Cristiano Ronaldo’s Training Session Criticized By Portugal Health Official And Lazio Chief

The threat of coronavirus has affected the sporting world tremendously. Leagues and major tournaments have been suspended and annual events have been put to a halt.

Football is no exception as the world’s biggest stadiums have been silenced with the global pandemic ongoing. This puts athletes in a position to be creative in how they’re able to maintain their fitness.

These players are expected to be in top physical shape and return to the field at any given moment. The rapidly evolving COVID-19 should have everyone prepared for the unexpected.

Football star Cristiano Ronaldo has been doing that as he was reportedly seen practicing at the Estadio de Madeira in Funchal. The Juventus forward is regarded as one of the greatest players of the current generation as he’s made history in every club he’s played for.

He has had iconic stints with Manchester United and Real Madrid before transferring to Juventus. Ronaldo has cemented himself as one of the legends of the sport, winning the Ballon d’Or five times.

Despite his accolades, he is still not considered exempt from social distancing rules. He was spotted recently hosting a training session outdoors on a football pitch.

Madeira secretary of health Pedro Ramos noted that there should be no special treatment for the football player.

Per Goal.com, Ramos said that Ronaldo should also follow the necessary guidelines. “Cristiano Ronaldo has the right to train as long as he respects the rules like all citizens, there is no privilege,” he said.

"There was no special authorization because we are all the same, we are all facing the same pandemic.”

Ronaldo’s training has also caught the attention of other football clubs, mainly Serie A rival Lazio. Juventus is currently one point ahead of Lazio with a league-leading 63 points.

Lazio director of Communications Arturo Diaconale has also taken notice of the underground training that their opponent’s star is going through. “I’ve seen videos from Portugal showing some marvelous images of Cristiano Ronaldo training out on a football pitch,” he said.

"I’m not saying it’s wrong, because professional athletes have to keep in shape. I’m just saying that they were given the advantage of going outside during quarantine. But I don’t want to create more controversy," he adds, by way of Metro.