Cristiano Ronaldo Follows Unbelievably Strict 'Cheap' Diet, It's A Key Reason Behind His Success At 37

Cristiano Ronaldo's former chef has spilled the beans on the Manchester United star's incredible diet which helps to keep him in such an extraordinary shape.

Girgio Barone became the Portuguese superstar's live-in cook during the latter's three years in Italy and has revealed what was on Ronaldo's menu day-by-day.

"There are no expensive foods," Barone told The Mirror. "But healthy foods. I use organic and natural foods- fish, chicken, veal, eggs, avocado, coconut oil and black rice.

"You have to take care of your body as if taking care of a Ferrari."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is believed to prefer a high-protein diet, with a minimal amount of sugars, fats and carbohydrates. In addition to shaping Ronaldo's eating, Barone also shaped the diets of the player's partner Georgina Rodríguez and their four children.

Favourite foods for the family of six are rumoured to be prawns, octopus, veal, whole grains and salads.

Barone also explained how Ronaldo burns so many calories, emphasising the importance of certain oils and liquids.

"I cook using coconut oil," the chef continued. "It's also important to drink plenty of water- but purified. And drink a lot.

"Of course, it's all combined with hard training. But rest is as fundamental as training and nutrition- including in the afternoon. And eating early in the evening, not late."

It's believed that Lionel Messi follows a similar diet. However, the PSG playmaker was said to have struggled with food as a youngster, with former Barcelona coach Carles Rexach admitting the Argentinian 'ate more pizza than he should have done'.

However, with the help of Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser, the 34 year old's diet has completed transformed, with a specific focus on water, olive oil, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables.

"Sugar is the worst thing for the muscles," Poser told The Independent in 2016. "The farther he stays away from sugars, the better. Refined flours are also a big problem as these days, it's difficult to find uncontaminated wheats.

"My methods are not in doubt, everyone can see Leo week in, week out."

Considering what Messi and Ronaldo have achieved in their career and the fact that they are still playing at the highest level of European football in their mid-to-late 30's, I may be tempted to give these diets a try.