Luis Figo supports Cristiano Ronaldo to make the difference for Juventus in the Champions League

Luis Figo is not surprised Cristiano Ronaldo continues to excel in his thirties and thinks that his Portuguese compatriots can be the catalyst for Juventus to win the Champions League.

Ronaldo has scored 19 times in 24 Serie A matches since transferring to Real Madrid last summer at the Turin club and, at 34, he still wins many individual honors.

Former Madrid winger Figo thinks that players are better conditioned to the modern era and he expects Ronaldo to remain at the highest level for a while.

Cristiano Ronaldo can help Juventus to lift the Champions League, according to Luis Figo

Speaking in his role as Ambbadador Laureus in Monaco, Figo said: "There are many more games now and of course, you have to take care of yourself if you want to play up to 36. or 37 years old.

"Nowadays, people are doing very well. My generation or before my generation, you have probably finished earlier, but you can now play up to 36 years easily. & # 39;

Juventus has not won the Champions League for 23 years, although it has reached the final five times since then, including two of the last four.

The last time, in 2017, Ronaldo was on the opposite side, scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory, while Madrid clinched the second of three successive crowns of the European club competition.

Figo thinks Juventus will have a better chance to go to the end this season, even if Ronaldo is now in their ranks. He adds, however, that his home match will be difficult to tie in the last 16 games against Atletico Madrid.

He said: "I'm sure he can because he is one of the best and he shows that in the national league, there is no opponent in Italy.

"I think they're among the favorites (to win the Champions League).

"They will play against Atletico Madrid, it's still very difficult because they are always very intensive and they are of course extremely motivated, because they could play the final at home. It will be a beautiful two parties to watch.

Laureus Ambbadador Figo participated in the Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco

Figo made more than 200 appearances for Real Madrid over five seasons, helping them to win two Liga titles and one Champions League title.

The capital club are currently nine points behind Barcelona in the national standings – another of Figo's former teams – after some upheavals earlier in the season. Santiago Solari took office after the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui last October.

Figo, however, pointed out that they remained in the hunt, saying, "They are still alive in all competitions. When you have those chances, you have to believe it.

"I can not answer anything else because in a club like Real Madrid, they never give up unless it is mathematically impossible."

Gareth Bale scored his 100th goal for Madrid earlier this month, although he was criticized for his lack of integration at the club while he was there since 2013.

Ronaldo turned 34 in February, but Figo thinks there's still plenty of time at the top.

Figo said: "I focus on whether he has the performance that he should have or not. The rest, whether he's shy or not shy, I do not think it matters that much.

"Of course, when you are shy, integration is more difficult, but he has already spent so many years at the club. I do not think that's a problem for someone who plays football.

The Laureus World Sports Awards recognize the most outstanding men and women in the world of sport, as well as their accomplishments from the previous calendar year. The awards also feature the work of Laureus Sport for Good, a charity that uses the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage.