Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary work ethic and dedication have been lauded by former Manchester United teammate Ben Foster. The ex-Red Devils goalkeeper highlighted Ronaldo’s unmatched commitment during his early years at Old Trafford, a period that laid the foundation for the Portuguese star’s illustrious career. Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003, quickly established himself as a player with an extraordinary drive, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave the training ground at Carrington. Foster, who joined United two years after Ronaldo, witnessed firsthand the dedication that has been pivotal to Ronaldo’s enduring success.
Ben Foster said: “He was absolutely always on it, the first one in and last one to leave training. I’d get there early sometimes and he’d already been there. He’d already had all his massages and he’d be in the gym. He’s a freak. He had no interest in it [going for a drink]. Honestly, he’s not a drinker. However, he insisted that the Portuguese star’s preferential treatment was well-deserved due to his performances on the field. He would always talk glowingly about Ronaldo, but it was quite easy to talk glowingly about him. He did everything properly behind the scenes. He was never disruptive and he wanted to work out. When he got on the pitch on a Saturday afternoon or for a Champions League match on a Wednesday night, it was invariably him who would be rescuing the team. It’s quite easy to talk glowingly about somebody like that, but it was very obvious that he was definitely the teacher’s pet.”
Foster’s admiration for Ronaldo underscores the forward’s professionalism and the impact it has had on his career longevity. Even at the age of 40, Ronaldo continues to perform at the highest levels, scoring regularly for both Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and the Portugal national team. His record-breaking 143 goals in 225 international appearances, alongside 805 goals in 1,068 club games, are a testament to his enduring talent and commitment.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus star’s refusal to partake in drinking, as noted by Foster, is another aspect of his disciplined lifestyle. Ronaldo’s focus on maintaining peak physical condition has been a key factor in his ability to remain a top performer well into his late 30s and beyond. Foster’s insights provide a glimpse into the mindset of a player whose dedication continues to inspire both teammates and fans alike.