Cristiano Ronaldo ‘couldn’t take Karim Benzema’s intense training regimen at Real Madrid’

CRISTIANO RONALDO “couldn’t take Karim Benzema’s training regimen,” according to his former personal trainer Javier Atalaya.

Atalaya is now the French forward’s coach at Real Madrid and has shown how the star can recover from injury more quickly.

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The 35-year-old hopes to be available for Carlo Ancelotti’s side despite limping off after the 2-0 win against Valencia.

The Italy manager confirmed that the blow Benzema suffered was ‘very light’.

He missed the clash against Real Mallorca in La Liga and is doubtful for the round of 16 against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Atalaya has insisted Benzema is on the mend.

He told Radio Marca: “Karim is getting better every day.

“He’s at home with nothing to do and goes to the gym to work out.

“The Frenchman’s mentality is to improve every day.”

To explain the intensity of the recovery training Benzema is doing, Atalaya suggested it was too much for Ronaldo.

He added: “Even Cristiano couldn’t take Benzema’s training.”

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Ronaldo is famous for his physique and maintains it even at the age of 38.

However, Atalaya’s suggestion is the latest claim that he wasn’t in the best form compared to some of his former teammates.

Ex-Real Madrid doctor Jesus Olmo insisted Gareth Bale is the best athlete he’s ever seen, ahead of the Portuguese star

He told Ideal in 2020: “Perhaps the best athlete I’ve ever seen is Bale.

“Gareth Bale is a natural athlete who can excel in virtually any sport.

“He has incredible sporting ability and I would say technical ability as well.

“He’s the one who has impressed me the most in all aspects.”