Cristiano Ronaldo's ability is well-established, but according to former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand it was his approach to off-the-field aspects while in England that made him the best in the world.
Ronaldo left Manchester in 2009 to join Real Madrid, having won the 2008 Ballon d'Or six months earlier. Nine years later he leads his country out at the World Cup, with Portugal taking on Spain in their opening game. Speaking on BBC before the match, Ferdinand stressed it was Ronaldo's 'professionalism' that set him apart from his peers.
He was the first person I saw employing nutritionists, a doctor, a personal physio, a chef. They came in and lived in his house more or less. He lived up the road from me, couple doors up. Going to his house, it was like a carnival. People walking around, I used to think 'what is going on here?' he invested in himself to become the best in the world.
Ronaldo's meticulous approach is interesting, but so is Ferdinand's shock at the approach. After all, Manchester United were one of the biggest clubs in the world and won the Champions League in 2008. His anecdote serves to illustrate just how far sports science has come in a relatively short space of time.
Alan Shearer also revealed that Alex Ferguson told him Ronaldo was the best professional he has ever had. It goes some way towards explaining the length of his career, with his penalty against Spain meaning he has now scored in four different World Cup tournaments.
