Cristiano Ronaldo was diagnosed with condition that has 'no guaranteed cure' and can get worse over time in 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo was once 'diagnosed' with a knee condition that can get worse over time back in 2014 - but the football icon appeared to be fortunate.

Ronaldo has had an illustrious playing career with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

He has won a staggering 33 trophies at senior level, including four Champions League titles, and is a six-time winner of the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy.

Ronaldo relied on his pace and trickery in his early years but added potent finishing and heading abilities to his game as time went on to turn himself into one of the most complete attackers the game has ever seen.

He is also well-known for his incredible work ethic both on and off the pitch, with the Portugal legend likely to continue playing professionally into his 40s.

Remarkably, Ronaldo has suffered very few injuries during his career which has contributed to his longevity in the game.

But in 2021, a Twitter user called @LLF_14 wrote about how the Portuguese had been suffering from a knee condition from 2014 that can get worse over time.

The user claimed that they had worked out why parts of Ronaldo's game were starting to decline at the age of 29.

They suggested that Ronaldo had changed his playing style due to a knee problem known as tendinosis.

The condition, which is common, is a type of tendon disorder which results in pain, swelling and impaired function, and even worse pain can be caused by movement. Its most common cause is through overuse.

The NHS website states that most 'simple' tendon problems improve over a 12 week period, though more severe cases can take several months to respond.

It is said that movement exercises, early strength exercises and strength and conditioning programmes are key to recovery. The NHS also cite 'work/sport demands' as a possible limitation towards a full recovery.

It also adds that attempting to make the tendon stronger than previously can help to limit the risk of future injuries.

An existence of Ronaldo's knee problem was confirmed by a Portuguese FA medical report in June 2014, which stated that he had suffered a 'muscle injury in the posterior region of the left thigh and left patellar tendinosis'.

The Twitter user claimed that Ronaldo's injury was chronic and 'degenerative', and forced him to make changes heading into the 2014/15 season.

The truth, it appears, would lie somewhere slightly different. Ronaldo was diagnosed with the injury in June 2014 and, despite playing in the World Cup that summer, received prompt treatment and said a month later that his knee injury had 'healed' - although did not make specific reference to the tendinosis.

Speaking in Tokyo, Japan, he said: "My injury is gone. I feel very, very good. I want to start the league in good shape. And I will try my best, as I do every year. Try to help my team, try to score some goals and try to win titles."