He said: “I only finished last season at 38. I didn’t want to drop down the divisions in Russia, so I retired at the top level. I think Ryan will do the same.
“But it won’t be yet. If I can play to 38, why can’t he? Maybe he will play for another four or five years yet. At the moment I don’t see any reason why not.”
He added: “I don’t find it incredible at all that Ryan is still performing at the top level.
“Ryan has always been a great professional who has looked after himself properly.
“If you are professional in your life and concentrate your efforts in training and in matches then you have a great chance of going on and on.
“I see a lot of Premiership football and watch United a lot. Ryan is still fast and clever. He is still good enough for that level.”
