Rafael van der Vaart recently revealed an unusual yet insightful reason why Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as one of the hardest-working footballers he has ever played with.
The Dutchman, who shared the pitch with Ronaldo during their time at Real Madrid under Manuel Pellegrini in the late 2000s, praised the Portuguese superstar’s unmatched dedication.
Van der Vaart was asked whether Ronaldo was the biggest name at Real Madrid during his stint. He responded with a humorous yet unexpected remark:
“He never left his house! I always say as a joke, Ronaldo is the only player I never saw naked!”
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The lighthearted comment had everyone in the studio laughing, but Van der Vaart quickly shifted focus to Ronaldo’s legendary commitment:
“He was the first one on the training pitch and the last to leave,” he said.
Ronaldo’s Dedication: A Machine-Like Approach
Van der Vaart elaborated on Ronaldo’s disciplined lifestyle, describing it as “ahead of its time.”
“First of all, his body—wow! A machine,” he exclaimed. “His training in the gym, his diet, his sleep routines—those were more important to him than just training harder.”
This level of commitment has earned Ronaldo five Ballon d’Or titles, five Champions League trophies, 24 golden boots, and numerous other accolades, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Even as he approaches 40, Ronaldo continues to defy age with his exceptional performances for Al-Nassr.
A Relentless Desire to Score
Van der Vaart also shed light on Ronaldo’s insatiable hunger for goals, highlighting his “selfish” nature on the pitch as a driving force behind his success.
“Ronaldo was unbelievably selfish. If we won 6-0 and he didn’t score, he wasn’t happy. But if we lost and he scored twice, he was okay,” Van der Vaart shared.
The Dutchman compared Ronaldo to another prolific striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy, noting their shared obsession with scoring goals.
“I had so many conversations with Ruud, and he’d always say, ‘I need my goals!’ Ronaldo was the same—it’s not about playing for himself; it’s about the need to be the best.”
Ronaldo: A Footballing Icon
Van der Vaart’s anecdotes underline Ronaldo’s unparalleled work ethic and mindset, which have inspired countless players. Despite their lack of silverware together at Real Madrid, the Dutchman’s admiration for his former teammate remains evident.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to embody the essence of dedication, proving that success is the result of hard work, discipline, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
