Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Football
Adnan Riaz
Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo candidly revealed that one of the monumental moments in his illustrious playing career led to him breaking his strict alcohol ban.
Ronaldo has been well-documented for his incredible fitness regime and clean-eating diet, a lifestyle choice that has played a significant part in keeping him among the world’s best.
The 37-year-old Portuguese forward has spoken openly about his dissatisfaction with his eldest son, Cristiano Jr, drinking fizzy drinks like Coca-Cola and eating crisps.
Coke, which was an official sponsor for Euro 2020, even saw Ronaldo tell people to drink water after he famously moved Coca-Cola bottles out of view at a Portugal press conference.
Advert
Ronaldo’s father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, was an alcoholic and passed away from a liver condition at the age of 52 in 2005.
Despite holding a strong stance on alcohol, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was forced to make a U-turn on his position after Portugal’s stunning Euro 2016 triumph.
Ronaldo broke down in tears during the final against France after he was withdrawn in the 25th minute due to a knee injury following a clash with Dimitri Payet.
The Portugal captain was forced to watch on from the sidelines before Eder’s sensational extra-time strike sealed a 1-0 win for his side at the Stade de France.
Ronaldo’s first major international honour with Portugal made him cry so much that he was left “dehydrated,” which led to him breaking his no-drink rule.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend had some champagne and revealed that the drink immediately “went to my head.”
“The title of European champion with Portugal is the most important prize I have ever won,” he told Diletta Leotta in 2019, as per Goal.
“It was an incredible, unforgettable evening. I cried, I laughed, I suffered, I shouted, I got drunk.
“During that game, I cried so much that I was dehydrated. At the end of the game, during the celebrations, I drank a glass of champagne and immediately it went to my head.
“I never drink but that day was so special. The most important trophy ever.”
Ronaldo broke down in tears at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after Morocco dumped Portugal out of the tournament in the quarter-finals.
READ MORE:
Despite turning 38 next month, the former Juventus star did not retire from international duty after the World Cup and is set to continue as Portugal captain.
New Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has already hinted that Ronaldo is still part of his plans ahead of Euro 2024 in Germany and the 2026 World Cup in North America.