Cristiano Ronaldo ‘could not stand’ Karim Benzema’s intense training regime at Real Madrid

CRISTIANO RONALDO “could not stand” Karim Benzema’s training regime, according to his former personal trainer Javier Atalaya.

Atalaya is now the trainer for the French striker at Real Madrid and has revealed how the star is able to overcome injuries at a quickened rate.

Cristiano Ronaldo could not stand Karim Benzema’s training regimeGetty Images – Getty

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

The Italian manager confirmed that the knock Benzema took was a “very light” one.

He did miss the clash against Real Mallorca in La Liga and is a doubt for the round of 16 tie against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Atalaya has insisted that Benzema is on the mend.

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

“He is at home, without having anything to do, and he goes down to the gym to train.

“The Frenchman’s mentality involves improving every day.”

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

He added: “Even Cristiano could not stand the training that Benzema does.”

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

However, Atalaya’s suggestion is the latest in claims that he was not in the best shape compared to some of his former team-mates.

Ex-Real Madrid doctor Jesus Olmo insisted that Gareth Bale is the best athlete he has ever seen, even 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 practically any sport.

“He has incredible athletic skills, and I would also say technical skills.

“He is the one who impressed me most in all aspects.”