Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about the intensity of his competitive nature, revealing it once led to a two-day silence from his son.
The football icon, who recently hit a staggering 899 career goals, shared the personal tidbit during a candid chat with former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on the UR Cristiano YouTube channel. Ronaldo's relentless drive for success is well-known, and it seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Ferdinand reminisced about Ronaldo's fiery debates with fellow players in the United dressing room, always eager to come out on top. Now at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo admitted that he still possesses that combative spirit, which was evident during a recent paddle game with his son, Cristiano Jr, that went a bit too far.
Related articles
Ronaldo recounted the incident, saying: "I was in the Red Sea a couple of days ago and I played paddle every day, me and Cristiano Jr and we got mad," before adding: "He won't speak with me for like, two days."
Despite the occasional fallout, Ronaldo expressed delight in seeing his children, including 6-year-old Mateo, inherit his fierce competitiveness. "This is why I'm happy. Even the small one, Mateo, they are at peace (when they are angry), but I like this, it shows they have personality," he said.
Ronaldo, boasting five Ballon d'Or titles and a brood of five, mentioned his children naturally mirror him, having observed his reactions on the field.
"But seriously, my kids they are like me and I don't teach them, they see by example because sometimes when I lost I get angry or sometimes I cry, depending on the moment and they are kind of the same. So even with my kids, I compete with," he said, then quipped: "I always want to win, I give nothing away for free."
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Discussing more than just his home life, Ronaldo confided in Ferdinand his confidence in still having plenty to bring to football. Contemplating retirement possibly in Saudi Arabia, the ex-Juventus ace insisted that when he detects any dip in his ability to perform at his peak, that'll signal the end.
"I know I'm still looking good, I feel that I can still dribble, score goals, shoot, jump," Ronaldo said. "The day that I start to feel that I can't produce anything I will pack my bags and go away."
Having had an illustrious career playing for Sporting Lisbon, United, for two different spells, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, Ronaldo holds the title of highest competitive goalscorer in the sport's history. His arch-rival Lionel Messi trails close behind.
