Cristiano Ronaldo has flown his own physio to France in bid to be fit for Portugal’s Euro 2016 opener against Iceland on Tuesday
Real Madrid star having three private sessions a day amid fears over fitness following end-of-season thigh strain
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CRISTIANO RONALDO has taken his own personal physio to France in a bid to get fit for Euro 2016.
The Portuguese ace played every minute of Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign before picking up a thigh knock in the final weeks of the season.
Ronaldo recovered to fire a double at Deportivo La Coruna on the final day – taking his season tally an incredible 51 – as Barcelona pipped Zinedine Zidane’s side to the title.
But the three-time Balon d’Or winner looked notably off the pace in the Champions League final win over Atletico Madrid in Milan, despite scoring the winning penalty in the dramatic shootout.
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Ronaldo is now aiming to add international glory to his club success with Fernando Santos’ side this summer.
And has employed a fitness expert to help him get into shape at their Marcoussis training base.
Portuguese paper Record has revealed that the 31-year-old is doing three extra sessions with Spanish physiotherapist Joaquin Juan.
Juan has previously worked with Spain legend Raul, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao and basketball star Pau Gasol.
Portugal face Iceland in their Group F opener in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday evening.
Ronaldo will be fired up for the clash after opposition boss Lars Lagerback called him a ‘Hollywood actor’ who should be banned for diving.
The Portuguese skipper has only played 45 minutes of their warm-up friendlies leading into the tournament.
But Santos attempted to ease fears over fitness problems by saying he was managing his minutes after his late finish to the season.