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The day is finally here! The 5th of February marks Cristiano Ronaldo's birthday. Today, the football world celebrates the Portuguese icon as he turns 37-years-old. It has been another productive year as the world sends in their best wishes for a true legend of the beautiful game.
Cristiano Ronaldo indeed deserves to be celebrated by every football fan in all corners of the world, considering all he's given to the game over the years. In terms of achievements, sportsmanship, fame and personality, the Manchester United forward continues to be a role model and a source of inspiration to many.
Meanwhile, despite his enormous popularity and glowing reputation in the football world, there are still many facts about Cristiano Ronaldo that remain unknown to a majority of the public. As the Manchester United attacker marks his 37th birthday, we bring you five lesser-known facts about the Portuguese icon. Without further ado, let's dive in.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo used to get free food from three McDonald's employees
Everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo had a humble beginning back in his hometown of Madeira in Portugal when he was just a kid with a dream of playing football. But not many are aware that the Portuguese used to get free food from three McDonald's workers as his family struggled to make ends meet back then.
In an interview with ITV, the attacker revealed that he and his teammates would go to a McDonald's outlet near the stadium, hoping to get free food after training. He revealed:
"We were a little hungry. We had a McDonald’s next to the stadium, we knocked on the door and asked have you got any burgers. There was always Edna and two other girls. I never found them again."
#4 Meeting the love of his life at a clothing store in Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez's relationship is one that captures the heart. The pair met each other for the first time in Madrid. The attacker was playing for Real Madrid at the time, while she was a sales assistant at a high-end fashion boutique.
Reflecting on the encounter, Georgina explained during an interview with Italy’s Elle magazine:
“The first meeting with Ronaldo was at Gucci where I worked as a sales assistant. Days later we saw each other again at another brand’s event and it was then we could talk in a relaxed atmosphere, outside of my work environment. It was love at first sight for both.”
#3 The real reason why he doesn't consume alcoholic beverages
Cristiano Ronaldo has always stayed away from alcohol. While many could quickly conclude it's down to his commitment as a professional footballer, it is interesting to know there's more to it than meets the eye.
The real reason behind the attacker's decision to avoid alcohol has to do with his family. According to the Tech Times, Ronaldo's father died at the age of 52 due to complications from alcoholism. Because of this, the footballer vowed, since his childhood, not to consume alcoholic beverages.
Ultimately, that has also been of great help to his career, with the attacker possessing arguably the finest physique ever witnessed in football history. At 37, he still appears to be in better shape than many players far younger than him.
#2 The Portuguese star also avoids alcohol because of a prior health issue
Apart from his father's tragic experience that ultimately cost him his life, Cristiano Ronaldo also has another reason to avoid alcohol. It's because he's experienced heart complications before.
According to India Times, the Manchester United superstar was diagnosed with a heart condition at just 15-years-old which required him to undergo surgery. While this isn't the main reason, Ronaldo could be avoiding alcohol to look out for his overall health. Especially when it's known to lead to heart issues if consumed in excess.
#1 He has an incredible car collection worth £17 million
According to the Mirror, Cristiano Ronaldo raised the value/worth of his car collection to a staggering £17 million after acquiring a £164k-value Bentley Flying Spur upon returning to Manchester United.
The attacker's car collection includes three Ferraris, two Bugattis, two Rolls-Royces, two Lamborghinis, two McLarens, a Porsche 911 Turbo S, a Range Rover Sport SVR, a Koenigsegg CCX, a Bentley Continental GT Speed, along with several Audi and Mercedes-AMGs.
Some of Cristiano Ronaldo's most expensive cars include a Ferrari Monza, with a valuation of £1.4million, a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport valued at £1.7million and a £2.15million Bugatti Chiron. He also owns a Bugatti Centodieci - a limited edition £8.5million vehicle of which only ten were made.
