Ronaldo has ice baths at 2am and does push-ups in the shower

Ex-Premier League star Jose Fonte has issued a passionate defence of his former Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo – while sharing an insight into the Al Nassr star’s mentality that has kept him at the top.

He told BBC Sport: “I always laugh when I hear stories and rumours about how Cristiano Ronaldo is a disruptive presence in the Portugal camp, because that’s all they are – stories.

“I spent many years with him in the national team and I never saw any problems. What I do know is that he is not just a great professional himself, he also tries to help everyone else in the squad.

“Even just observing him would give you ideas of what you should be doing to be successful, but when you are with Cristiano you get so much more than that.

“He’s the captain of the squad and he’s always been a vocal guy, who talks a lot, but on or off the pitch he leads by example too.

“So, when he goes earlier than everyone else to the gym, or does his physiotherapy and is preparing his body and his mind, then he drags everyone else up with him as well.

“He would lead, and we would follow. I can remember us all doing ice baths and saunas at 2am because of him and, as well as helping our physical recovery, the important thing is that we were doing them together, the whole squad.”

Fonte added: “[Ronaldo] has always wanted to win, too. He was so competitive then he would say to us that he would do more push-ups than anyone else in the shower after training, and of course he would go and do it as well.

“That drive is part of him, and it’s why he is still here now at Euro 2024 with Portugal at the age of 39. He is an animal who wants to keep on winning and winning. Not only is he the best, he wants to prove it as well.”