New anecdote sheds light on Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic | OneFootball

Whether or not you think he is ‘the Best’ or not, you can’t help but appreciate the work that Cristiano Ronaldo puts in to make sure he consistently ends up top of the pile.

To the surprise of almost nobody, the Portuguese was crowned FIFA’s player of the year this week.

Where Lionel Messi’s ability often appears to be a gift, something innate, Ronaldo is unrecognisable to the talented but raw player who arrived on the scene at Manchester United 14 years ago.

Speaking to Paul Condo, former Manchester United fitness coach Walter Di Salvio has illustrated why.

“While his team-mates went in for their showers, he went out to the back of the complex, where it borders on a patch of woodland, so that he could practice his ball control in difficult conditions.

“In the woodland undergrowth the terrain was very uneven, full of exposed tree roots, and Ronaldo would kick the ball hard into that area and chase after it, trying to bring the unpredictable bounces under control.”

Of course he did.