Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal teammate Bernardo Silva jokingly mocked Ruben Dias when explaining why he doesn't go to the gym. The City pair spoke ahead of their side's clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday (August 31).
Dias suggested he was tired after being in the gym during the interview. He joked that Silva didn't even move in training, and his compatriot hadn't been to the gym.
Silva was asked why this was, and his response sent his Manchester City teammate and the Sky Sports presenter into stitches:
"I don’t do gym…that’s for the guys that don’t know how to play with the ball!"
Silva, 30, isn't lying when he hints that he doesn't need the gym because he's one of Europe's most naturally gifted players. He's made an excellent start to the season with one goal and one assist in three games across competitions.
The 93-cap Portugal international was instrumental in helping City win an unprecedented fourth Premier League title last season. He's been a magician during his seven years at the Etihad.
That's not to say that Dias doesn't know how to play with the ball, as Silva quipped. He's been a rock at the back for the Cityzens, and his ball-playing abilities are a key reason Pep Guardiola brought him to the Premier League in September 2020.
"I fight against my mind" - Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo on staying motivated to go to the gym
Cristiano Ronaldo is always in the gym, which has played a significant role in his successful career. He explained in on the Whoop podcast earlier year that he fights against his mind when it tells him to skip a gym day:
"I fight against my mind every day. Sometimes that happens. We are all human, and we are not in a good and happy mood every day. It is a normal thing and part of our lives. Discipline is a very difficult thing, not only in sports but in life as well."
Cristiano Ronaldo is in incredible shape at the age of 39, and his gym routine has allowed him to play into his late thirties. The 212-cap Portugal international is still rolling back the years in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's body transformation from the start of his career until now has been remarkable. He's gone from a somewhat slim physique from his early days at Manchester United to a muscular forward who dominated European football.
Cristiano Ronaldo's muscle growth was visible throughout his international career with Portugal. He captained Selecao to European Championships glory in 2016, giving opposition defenders nightmares with his strength and aerial dominance.