Reason why Cristiano Ronaldo has black toenails as Portugal superstar shows off pre-match preparation before Portugal vs Norway
The colour of Cristiano Ronaldo's toenails caught the eye after the five-time Ballon d'Or posted his pre-match preparation online.
The 41-year-old is expected to line up for Portugal in the Nations League clash with Norway on Sunday evening and took to Instagram to posted a picture of him in leg compression boots.
Ronaldo is one of the most dedicated footballers of all time when it comes to the work he does away from the pitch and his work ethic and professionalism is a key factor in his longevity.
The former Real Madrid star's recent snap showed his bare feet with black toenails and that is also part of his meticulous methods.
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Though his feet are likely battered and bruised, it's said that Ronaldo's nails are actually painted black.
Why does Cristiano Ronaldo have black toenails?
The Athletic reported that Ronaldo applies the black nail polish for good reason as the idea is protects his toenails from bacteria.
Training and exercising more or less every day, he spends long periods in sweaty shoes and football boots and that situation can increase the chances of fungi spread.
As per the report, Britain’s Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) said a small study indicated that the use of nail vanish can act as protection.
Dr Helen Branthwaite, a spokesperson for the college, told The Athletic: “With over 250,000 sweat glands in your feet, the average person will produce around half a pint of sweat per day in their feet.
“Virtually all fungal toenail infections come from fungal skin infections, commonly known as athlete’s foot, which then spreads to the nail.
“Leaving this skin infection untreated is the biggest risk factor for developing nail fungus.”
The trend is particularly common in combat sports. Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is understood to have painted his nails in his pomp, with it also a regular occurrence amongst MMA fighters.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has also sported painted nails, as has former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski back in the day.
Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing landmark 1000th goal
Ronaldo has broken numerous milestones and records over the years and he is targeting an incredible 1000th career goal. Ronaldo has scored 979 times for club and country, with a VAR check preventing him from moving to 980 in Portugal's win over Wales.
It would appear that Joao Felix, who plays with Ronaldo for Portugal and Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, is the most likely player to providing the assist for the record-breaking strike.
Felix, who had a spell with Chelsea in the Premier League, dreams of setting up Ronaldo's 1000th goal.
"I've already thought about it," Felix admitted in a new interview with AS, via A Bola.
"When he has one goal left, I'll see if I can provide the assist for him. That goal will remain in the history of football, and to contribute to it would be a wonderful moment."
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Josh Lawless