Cristiano Ronaldo’s midnight gym sessions as a boy left me stunned, he’s already in World Cup mode
Cristiano Ronaldo’s insatiable work ethic left senior Portugal teammates stunned.
Just one look at his chiselled 41-year-old physique would leave few surprised by a locked-in mindset that has shaped his decorated football career.
His training, recovery and nutrition habits have played a key role in helping him stay lean to perform at his best.
But such dedication is built through consistency and an ability to accept delayed gratification – something Ronaldo was able to master at an early age.
And stories of such early dedication to his craft – which included midnight gym sessions – quickly did the rounds, leaving a host of senior professionals stunned.
The ultimate professional
“We were hearing stories that he was being caught in the gym at 11, 12 [years old] at night trying to get stronger, trying to outwork everyone,” former Portugal teammate Jose Fonte told talkSPORT.
“And that’s unheard of. I’ve never heard about a boy going to the gym at that time of night and wanting to work and wanting to already test [himself].”
By the time Ronaldo had made the breakthrough into the Portugal senior squad, his lifestyle habits quickly set high standards within the squad.
“With us he was just an inspirational guy,” Fonte added.
“We saw him work out. We saw him being an example of being the first always, trying to show the way in working and I found him very very inspirational.
“I tried to listen to what he had to say because at the time he was at the highest level. He was probably the best player in the world scoring 50-60 goals a season.
“And you try to see what he eats. You try to see how he goes and works in the gym. You try to see what he does after training, before training.
“So for us players, I thought that we had someone there that could show us something completely different.”
Ronaldo is preparing for his World Cup swansong this summer as he prepares to lead Portugal in their quest to land a maiden title.
With 226 caps under his belt and a staggering 143 goals for the 2016 European champions, few would bet against him adding to his tally this summer.
There has been much debate around whether he should be included in Roberto Martinez’s squad with Portugal currently enjoying a fruitful generation of emerging young talent.
However, Fonte believes the former Everton boss will not be swayed in his decision to deploy Ronaldo as a starter despite his age.
Ronaldo to spearhead Portugal’s attack
“I think the manager already said what his role is going to be.” Fonte said. “I think with Martinez, if Ronaldo is fit, he will play.
“We know he can score. Especially in and around the box, we know how lethal he is so I think he will have a lot of minutes.
“If he arrives maybe not with the rhythm, then he will come on. But he’ll definitely be in and around the team and contributing with his presence.
“He’s probably the best player to ever play the game so we know what he’s capable of.”
And Fonte says anyone doubting Ronaldo’s physical capabilities heading into the the heat and humidity of a summer World Cup in North America need not worry.
“Knowing his mentality, he’s already preparing for the World Cup,” Fonte added.
“He’s already within his (training) programme to arrive at peak level for the World Cup and to show that he’s the guy.”
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