EXCLUSIVE: Madonna’s friend and video director reveals why star, 65, will never stop working, fears she lives an ‘isolated life’ and details why marriage may not be on the cards for her again – as she recovers from health scare

Madonna will never slow down as she fights to keep her crown as The Queen Of Pop, despite her recent critical health concerns, claims longtime friend and video director Ed Steinberg.

The pop icon, 65, is currently preparing for her rescheduled The Celebration Tour dates after her near-fatal battle with a bacterial infection – with Steinberg – who directed her debut music video for Everybody in 1982 – praising her work ethic.

In an exclusive conversation with DailyMail.com, Steinberg labeled Madonna an “A++ personality,” but said he fears she lives an “isolated” life because of her decades of fame.

He also spoke about her love life, saying he believes she won’t marry again because she “doesn’t need a man or a woman to complete her” — after two failed marriages to actor Sean Penn and director Guy Ritchie.

In June, Madonna spent several days in intensive care with a mysterious ‘serious bacterial infection’.

Long-lasting loves: She was previously married to Sean Penn (seen left in 2016) and Guy Ritchie (right in 2001)

Steinberg said, “She’s old, has some kids and still touring and it’s great. Madonna has a mission. The mission takes up 24 hours of your day.

“I’ve worked with pretty much every rock star: David Bowie, everyone — she’s the one who hasn’t taken any prisoners at a relatively young age. Nothing will stop her.

“She looked like a freight train. She did everything very carefully and that train plowed down the line and nothing on the line stood in her way.

“Even from the start in management and the record label, she had a business acumen that she could tap into and align with the best people.

Madonna is not just a pop star, but a cultural and musical icon. She represented for young women the freedom of how to dress, how to behave sexually, socially and financially. She’s a smart cookie.’

“The first time I met her I knew she was going to be famous. She had it. People like Prince, Bowie and Madonna are not like the rest of us, they are alien.

‘Madonna has magic – pure and simple. There is an alchemy in her DNA that has made her the perfect pop star. It’s not luck. She’s got talent, intelligence, her work ethic is extraordinary and a lot of people won’t realize that.’

Steinberg also praised the star’s non-stop work ethic.

‘Nothing will stop her’: Director Ed Steinberg raved about Madonna’s drive and determination; Madonna pictured 2000)

Ex Factor: Madonna broke up with 23-year-old skateboarder and model Andrew Darnell in February

Behind the scenes: Madonna pictured on the set of her music video Everybody

She told me, “Ed, I get up at 5:30, I run, I exercise.”

“This was a singer, not an athlete. She studied. She always worked. When she wasn’t working out, she was working in the room.’

But Madonna’s drive and work ethic will cost her to beat Mr. Right, Steinberg warned.

Madonna broke up with 23-year-old skateboarder and model Andrew Darnell in February, but started dating 29-year-old boxer Josh Popper shortly after.

Steinberg reflected, “She’s an A plus, plus, plus personality.”

“She can’t sit in the backseat. It is clear that her two marriages did not work out, but she will never lack attention from men or love.

Sing it! Madonna and Ed take a break on the set of Everybody

“I think she’s someone who can go through men all her life because she’s the boss. Not everyone has to be married. People like Madonna don’t experience traditional love.

Being a mother is the focus of her emotional energy. She doesn’t need a man or a woman to complete her.’

Jokingly, he added, “She doesn’t need a mere mortal to be their partner.

Of course she could marry a passive man to have an easy life. But I don’t see it, but maybe that would work for her.

“But what really preoccupies her is, ‘What do I need to get done? What do I have to do to be successful and achieve this goal?’

“And spending traditional time with a boyfriend or spouse takes that away.”

Steinberg adds that Penn and the pop star were “really in love,” but their work schedules and growth caused them to “drift apart.”

He added that second husband Guy Richie was “really nice,” but also added that the benefit of their union boosted her global appeal.

‘In America she reached a glass ceiling. Her fame wouldn’t grow unless she married the president, so marrying someone like Guy further increased her appeal.

“I always felt like she wanted to be some kind of princess. Superstars like her have a tough life. How can you have a partner when you have that life?’

Quiet on set! Steinberg envisioned himself shooting Everybody’s music video

Steinberg, pictured in 2018, first befriended feisty wannabe dancer and singer Madonna Louise Ciccone in 1982

Good luck! ‘But Everybody became a club hit. It was on MTV, it was on all TV channels and Warner just scored. It put her on the map,” Ed said

Steinberg is also sympathetic to his friend, who is “very isolated” — adding, “I’m not sure how she’s handling that exposure.

She was once the second most photographed woman in the world, next to Lady Diana. Number two was Madonna.

“When she had that stalker, it was depressing and obviously terrifying. No money can ease the mental pain of that. Madonna, is really a very good person. I will always defend her