CRISTIANO RONALDO has shared his secret to staying at the top level for over a decade: massages at 2am.
The Juventus star lifted the lid on his unique technique as he was recognised as the Player of the Century at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.
SunSport previously revealed that CR7 chooses to take five 90-minute naps rather than sleep all night.
And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner himself has now revealed he gets massages to recover in the early hours of the morning.
He said: “A few weeks ago they chose the best 11 for the Ballon d’Or and I was there.
“An honor to be here at this gala with these fantastic players like [Iker] Casillas, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Gerard] Pique.
“I am [nearly] 36 years old but I still love football, I love my life and I love my family and children.
“I have been doing the same things and often the same exercises for fifteen years. Sometimes I arrive at 2am, I do a massage at the SPA to recover.
“Iker Casillas is an example for us, when he had his problem he was an example because sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have.”
Ronaldo pipped long-time rival Lionel Messi, 33, and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho to be named as the Player of the Century.
The 35-year-old, who wants to play at the highest level until he is 40, later reaffirmed that he has no plans of slowing down.
He said: “It is an exceptional achievement. It gives me the motivation to move forward.
“To be named the best is a great honour, I hope that this situation is over next year and that we can have more fun, thank you very much.
“I hope to still be able to play for more years.”
