Dejan Kulusevski has recently opened up about a piece of advice that Cristiano Ronaldo shared with him during their time together at Juventus.
It’s fascinating to see how this advice, which took Kulusevski four years to fully grasp, has shaped his career.
A Young Talent’s Journey
Kulusevski joined Juventus at just 20 years old, stepping into a high-pressure environment alongside football legends.
He played with Ronaldo during the 2020-21 season, a time when Ronaldo was establishing his legacy at the club.
As a young midfielder, Kulusevski found himself learning from one of the greatest of all time, who took him under his wing.
The Wisdom That Resonated
While they were teammates, Ronaldo offered Kulusevski a concise yet impactful piece of wisdom: “You will get to know your body.”
Reflecting on this now, Kulusevski admits that he didn’t fully understand it at the time.
“When I was younger, I didn’t know my body well enough,” he explained.
“Now, I’m starting to understand my strengths and weaknesses, which makes everything easier.”
This self-awareness has helped Kulusevski fine-tune his training regimen, particularly as he prepares for matches.
He’s learned how to manage his energy levels and what works best for him, emphasizing that it’s often the small details that ultimately lead to significant improvements.
Thriving Under New Leadership
Fast forward to today, and Kulusevski is making waves in his fourth season at Tottenham Hotspur.
Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, he has shifted from his traditional right-wing position to a more central role in midfield.
This change has allowed him to showcase his skills and adaptability, particularly evident in a recent standout performance against Manchester United, where he scored in a convincing 3-0 victory.
The Drive to Be the Best
Kulusevski attributes part of his recent success to the lessons he learned from Ronaldo.
“It’s about not being satisfied with just being good but striving to be the best every day,” he said.
He acknowledges that understanding this mindset takes time, especially when you’re young. “You can’t expect to know everything at 17,” he noted.
Ronaldo’s Future Away from Coaching
Despite his influence on younger players, Ronaldo has no plans to transition into coaching.
In a recent podcast with Rio Ferdinand, he expressed his concerns about the current generation of players.
“It’s difficult because they often don’t value our experience,” Ronaldo explained.
He believes many young players are too reliant on social media for guidance, which can overshadow traditional coaching methods.
Ronaldo is instead focusing on his business ventures and the next chapter of his life.
“I have other things to worry about,” he shared, expressing excitement about exploring new areas beyond football.
The Road Ahead
As Kulusevski continues to evolve as a player, it’s clear that the foundational advice from Ronaldo will remain with him.
Both players are charting their paths—Ronaldo in business and Kulusevski on the pitch, demonstrating that learning and growth never truly stop in the world of sports.