Cristiano Ronaldo Was Diagnosed With A Condition That Has No Cure And Gets Worse Over Time In 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing with a heavy knee injury that has 'no cure' since 2014 according to a fascinating Twitter thread.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored his 60th career hat-trick on Saturday afternoon to give Manchester United a vital 3-2 win over Norwich City.

He continues to be one of the deadliest forwards in world football, but an extraordinary Twitter thread claims the 37-year-old has played with 'tendinosis' for eight years - with no cure.

Ronaldo started his career as a tricky winger with pace to burn, but he's modified his game in the last decade to become a forward who is best in explosive bursts.

Twitter user @LLF_14 believes the change in playing style is linked to the chronic knee problem.

The injury is described as 'degeneration' rather than 'inflammation' - meaning the Portugal international's knee will worsen every game.

Ronaldo himself has discussed his knee issues in the past and the incredibly detailed thread includes those quotes as well as medical discussion.

The thread is 64 tweets long and one of the more comprehensive breakdowns you'll find on social media.

We've picked out a few of the key talking points below but the entire think is worth reading.

Ronaldo remains in incredible condition despite these issues and he sits on an impressive 21 goals in all competitions this campaign.

The closest United player to his goal tally is Bruno Fernandes with nine, putting into context how important he's been since returning to England for a second spell.

He signed a two-year deal in the summer but it's been speculated he could leave if the club fail to reach next season's Champions League.

United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is hopeful he chooses to stick around.

"This is in the end not my decision," Rangnick explained post-match per Manchester Evening News. "Cristiano has got another year of contract. This will be a decision for the new manager to take, together with the board.

"Again, he showed against Tottenham and today's game, that he can be the difference maker, in moments like this, in games like this, and it is no coincidence he has the best goalscoring record of all players in history. He showed that again today."