The heartwarming reason why Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to have any tattoos

Unlike other footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to ever get a tattoo, and the wholesome reason has been revealed.

In the modern game, tattoos and footballers are never far apart, as many of the best to ever do it are often seen showing off their ink.

Players like Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Neymar Jr and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all are not shy of showing off their tattoos, but one player who refuses to get one, is Cristiano Ronaldo.

This is because the 39-year-old has one strict but heartwarming reason why he will never get a tattoo.

In 2012, the Portuguese footballer revealed to Italian news website Diretta that he will never get a tattoo so that he can 'donate blood more often'.

After getting a tattoo or skin piercing, blood donors must wait at least four months before they can donate again, according to the NHS.

Therefore, Ronaldo refuses to get any form of tattoo or piercing on his body as he has been a regular blood donator and a registered bone marrow donor since 2011, when his national teammate Carlos Martins revealed that his son had been diagnosed with leukaemia and needed regular blood and bone marrow transfusions.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope in 2013, via The Sun, Ronaldo said: "He told us about the problem with his son and we, the players, showed great unity to help him and his son because we knew it was a very complicated situation.

"[Donating bone marrow] is something a lot of people think is a difficult thing to do but it's nothing more than drawing blood and doesn't hurt.

"I did it many years ago and if I had to do it again I would because this is a very serious disease for many children and we need to help them."

Cristiano Ronaldo played alongside Carlos Martins in the Portugal national team. (Image: Getty)

Since then, the Portugal captain has become the face of a campaign to encourage others to donate organised by the charity Abbott.

Speaking about the campaign, he said: "We can all make a difference by donating blood.

"Each donation can benefit up to three people in emergency situations and for long-term medical treatments.

"That's why I am enthusiastic to be partnering with Abbott to bring awareness to the importance of blood donation and to encourage people around the world to become lifelong blood donors and help save lives."