Cristiano Ronaldo has given the world his own brand of free-kicks - and now it has been revealed why he takes that peculiar run-up to take them.
One of the most well-known aspects of Ronaldo in football today is the way in which he stands before he takes free-kicks.
Feet wide apart, three paces back from the ball, and slightly positioned to the side.
Before the run-up, there's a deep sigh, with his lips pursed, and his shoulders go up and down, in almost exaggerated fashion.
And now former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has revealed why Ronaldo does his trademark stance before free-kicks.
"People used to put the ball down, walk away, run up and hit it. He brought in a more dynamic showmanship," explained Phelan via the Daily Mail.
Advert
"He places the ball down, the concentration level is high, he takes his certain amount of steps back so that his standing foot is in the perfect place to hit the ball in the sweet spot.
"When he pulls those shorts up and shows his thighs, he is saying 'All eyes on me' and this is going in.
"He understands the marketing side of it. The way he struts up and places it; the world is watching him."
Only Ronaldo could commercialise a free-kick. And when they go in, it's beautiful to watch.
Just this World Cup, a Ronaldo-stamped free-kick brought Portugal level 3-3 against Spain. Talk about being centre-stage, it sounds like Ronaldo relishes it.
Portugal face off against Uruguay later today in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
Advert
It will be a tightly contested game, but could Ronaldo be the difference between the pair? The Real Madrid star will certainly have his sights set on winning another major international tournament with Portugal.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Ronaldo, World Cup