This interview with Cristiano Ronaldo on the WHOOP podcast discusses his journey from a young footballer to a global superstar, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and discipline in achieving success.
Ronaldo reflects on his childhood in Madeira, where his passion for football began. He describes playing on the streets with friends and how those early experiences fueled his love for the game. These formative years were crucial in shaping his desire to pursue football professionally.
"It was like the first love when I started to play in the street; it was fun, and I said, 'Listen, I like this.'"
Initially, Ronaldo did not foresee becoming a global superstar. He explains that his primary focus was on enjoying the game. It wasn't until his late teens, particularly after joining Sporting CP and later Manchester United, that he began to realize his potential to achieve greatness in football.
"Probably was my father. My father, in the beginning, pushed me a little bit to follow my dream."
Ronaldo emphasizes the significant influence of his father, who encouraged him to take football seriously. He shares anecdotes about how his father's support and guidance were instrumental in his early development as a player. This familial support laid the foundation for his future success.
In this segment, Ronaldo discusses the importance of balancing natural talent with relentless hard work. He believes that talent alone is not enough to succeed; it must be complemented by a strong work ethic and consistent effort. He stresses that continuous improvement and dedication are key to maintaining high performance.
"Talent without work is nothing, and work without talent is nothing too.
"If you are top for 20 years, it's unbelievable, and I will do that and continue to do that."
Maintaining peak performance for over 20 years is a remarkable feat. Ronaldo attributes his longevity to a disciplined lifestyle, consistent training, and a focus on physical and mental health. He highlights the importance of adapting his training regimen to his body's needs as he ages, ensuring he stays at the top of his game.
"For me, it's a big achievement and my biggest motivation is to carry on to still enjoy to make people happy, to make my family happy so for me I have both talent and work ethic"
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