Cristiano Ronaldo will be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time when he calls time on a remarkable career, but this classy act at Real Madrid shows his human side
Cristiano Ronaldo looks on
Cristiano Ronaldo showed his true colours with Real Madrid(Image: Jonathan Moscrop, Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrated his generous nature by buying the newest iPhone and Apple Watch for Real Madrid staff during one pre-season, according to former team-mate Kiko Casilla.
Widely regarded as one of football's most exceptional talents, Ronaldo has clearly maintained his down-to-earth character despite achieving extraordinary success and wealth. The Portuguese superstar shared the pitch with goalkeeper Casilla at Real Madrid for three seasons between 2015 and 2018, before departing Los Blancos for Juventus in an £86million transfer.
Whilst Ronaldo's on-field contributions are extensively documented, Casilla has revealed insights into his equally remarkable conduct away from the spotlight. In conversation with El After de Post United, the 38-year-old keeper, who featured 43 times for Real, explained: "He's a phenomenon, a wonderful human being who helps even the last youngster coming up from the academy.
"Ask him for anything and he'll give it to you. When we went to the United States for pre-season, he bought all the staff, including physiotherapists, security guards, and other team members, the latest iPhone and Apple Watch.
"These are things he doesn't mention himself because there's no point bragging about it. He's a person who likes to help or thank everyone around him with those gestures."
Casilla also remembered how Real's changing room experienced a notable transformation when Zinedine Zidane was named head coach in January 2016, with Ronaldo and Karim Benzema rising to the occasion to back him.
Kiko Casilla dives towards the ball to make a save
Kiko Casilla played for Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo(Image: Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Casilla highlighted the humility of a star who always prioritised the team, saying: "When Zidane arrived, with the presence he had and everything he represented, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema stepped up so as not to let him down."
Ronaldo cemented his legendary status after transferring from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 for £80m, amassing an impressive tally of 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 matches. His trophy haul at the Bernabeu includes two La Liga titles, four domestic cups, four Champions League trophies, and three Club World Cups.
Recent reports have focused on Ronaldo's absence from the funeral of Portuguese team-mate Diogo Jota, who died tragically in a car accident along with his brother, Andre Silva, earlier this month. A service for the Liverpool forward and his sibling took place in Gondomar last Saturday, with many of Jota's team-mates present to honour their memory.
Real Madrid line up for a November 2017 Champions League match
Ronaldo left a lasting impression on goalkeeper Casilla
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Ronaldo did not attend the funeral, as it is understood by Mirror Football that the Portugal skipper feared his presence might detract from the sombre occasion in the small town. Instead, Ronaldo reportedly spent time with his family and paid homage to Jota with an online post.
On Instagram, the Al-Nassr forward said: "It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married.
"To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."
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