Cristiano Ronaldo's attention to detail saw him tell his teammates what they could and couldn't eat, according to Juventus midfielder Arthur.
The Brazilian played with Ronaldo after joining Juve from Barcelona in September 2020, and has previously spoken of Ronaldo's help in allowing him to settle in Turin thanks to their shared language. However, the veteran's approach to food and diet stood out to his former teammate.
Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in August 2021, after 12 months away, and has top-scored for Ralf Rangnick's side in the Premier League. United have struggled, though, suffering European elimination in the round of 16, and the veteran has been linked with a move away as his team look at attacking options.
"He's not a football player, he's an athlete," Arthur told TNT Sports Brasil (via Marca ), explaining his former colleague surprised him with his levels of professionalism.
"He's a professional because of all the work he does beforehand. Not on the field, which everyone sees, but off the field.
"He is a person who works, who eats well, and now takes in 15 minutes of sun [each day]. He is a professional and also a friendly person who tries to help.
"He is interested in the people around him. We used to sit together at the table with him. Sometimes he would look at our plate and tell us: 'Not like that, eh' (laughs)."
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Ronaldo's diet has already rubbed off on his Manchester United teammates, with goalkeeper Lee Grant shedding some light on the situation in September. Just weeks after the 37-year-old's return, Grant revealed desserts were off the table.
"As you guys will be aware, you finish your dinner and usually on a Friday night you’ve got a few cheat stuff out," he told talkSPORT. You’ve got some apple crumble or you’ve got a bit of brownie and cream or what not.
"I tell you now, not one player touched the apple crumble and custard, not one player went up for that brownie because everybody was sat down and one of the lads said to me, ‘What has Cristiano got on his plate? So we were having a little goosey gander at what he has got and obviously it is the cleanest, most healthy plate you can imagine."
Ronaldo was reportedly asked for list of preferred foods to staff at United's training ground. These included the Portuguese speciality bacalhau, and not all of his preferences are popular with his teammates.
"He also loves octopus, but most of the lads won’t go there - even if it clearly works for Ronny!" a source told The Sun. "Cristiano is very much into his proteins, stuff like slices of ham, eggs and avocados, and the chefs are trying to help him with a little taste of home."
Ronaldo has been tipped to continue playing into his 40s, with his diet and attention to detail potentially helping him prepare for more years at the top. Former teammate Gary Neville suggested that not only would the forward keep going, but he would likely do so in a high-level league environment
"[We] saw Tom Brady come out of retirement [over the weekend]," Neville said. "One of the great things about these players is longevity, it is so important to them, the idea that they can go on longer and further and still play at the highest level."
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