Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 40 and Ben Foster has heaped praise on the Manchester United legend's incredible dedication to his craft
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on May 12, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity is no mistake(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Ben Foster has given an insight into Cristiano Ronaldo's extraordinary commitment behind the scenes at Manchester United, revealing that the superstar showed no interest in joining his team-mates for a pint.
The former Red Devils shot-stopper emphasised how Ronaldo's work ethic was unparalleled, often being the first to arrive and last to leave the club's Carrington training ground. The duo played together during Ronaldo's initial stint at Old Trafford when he joined as an 18-year-old from Sporting CP in 2003.
Foster arrived at United two years later and had a front-row seat to the legendary Portuguese forward's dedication to honing his skills. A significant emphasis is typically placed on attending team social events at football clubs. Earlier this month, Foster revealed that the harshest penalty on his old club Wrexham's internal fines list is for skipping the players' Christmas night out.
However, he stated that Ronaldo was given a pass over his refusal to partake in drinking due to his immense talent. The former Real Madrid and Juventus star continues to play at the ripe age of 40, regularly finding the back of the net for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
He has now netted a record-breaking 143 goals in 225 games for his country, along with 805 in 1,068 appearances at club level. Foster believes that Ronaldo's staunch professionalism has been instrumental in the longevity of his career.
During a chat on talkSPORT, the ex-England goalkeeper shared: "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.
Ben Foster, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mikael Silvestre, Wayne Rooney and Ji Sung Park at Manchester United
Foster saw Ronaldo's dedication firsthand
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"There's nobody else who can do what Cristiano has done and maintain this level for so long. He's a freak. He had no interest in it [going for a drink]. Honestly, he's not a drinker. Ronnie has got no inkling to want to get involved.
"He knew that there would be people trying to sort of expose him, or take pictures or get him in uncompromising positions. When it comes to football and wanting to do it properly and working hard, he's there.
"He might not want to get involved off the pitch with all the little bits and bobs, but when it comes to football duty and training hard and doing everything professionally and properly, he was top of the list."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground in 2009.
Fergie had a special father-like relationship with the Portuguese superstar
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Foster went on to describe how Ronaldo's professional attitude made him a favourite of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, even going as far as to label him the "teacher's pet". 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," Foster added. "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."
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