Living in Ronaldo’s House: A Glimpse into the Life of a Football Superstar
When you think of Cristiano Ronaldo, images of his incredible skills on the football pitch and his chiseled physique may come to mind. But what about his personal life off the field? Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson recently shared his experience of living with Ronaldo during their time together at the club, giving us a fascinating insight into the world of one of football’s biggest stars.
A Mentorship Beyond the Pitch
Anderson, who joined Manchester United from Porto in 2007, was just 19 years old at the time. Luckily for him, Ronaldo, four years his senior and also Portuguese-speaking, took the young midfielder under his wing. Despite having just won the prestigious European Golden Boy award, Anderson found himself in awe of Ronaldo’s work ethic and dedication.
In an interview with Brazilian programme Globoesporte, Anderson revealed that both he and Nani, another Portuguese-speaking player, lived at Ronaldo’s house for almost a year. The training sessions would usually start at 9:30 am, but sometimes they had to be there as early as 6:30 am because Ronaldo was already at the club. They would sleep on stretchers and wait for Ronaldo’s work to begin.
A Generous Host
Anderson spoke highly of Ronaldo’s willingness to help and support him. He mentioned that as soon as he arrived in Manchester, he went straight to Ronaldo’s house, where he was warmly welcomed. Anderson expressed his gratitude, saying that Ronaldo had adopted him. The two young players lived in CR7’s house for almost a year, and according to Anderson, they didn’t spend anything during that time.
Ronaldo not only provided them with a place to stay but also took care of their transportation and meals. He would drive them to training, make sure they were well-fed, and even had a cook to prepare their meals. Anderson described the luxurious amenities at Ronaldo’s house, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a jacuzzi, and a tennis court. It was truly a lifestyle fit for a superstar.
A Career of Success and Regret
During his eight years at Manchester United, Anderson made 181 appearances and won numerous titles, including four Premier League titles, a League Cup, the Club World Cup, and the coveted Champions League trophy. However, despite his accomplishments, he admits that he did not fulfill his full potential as a player.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Anderson acknowledged that if he had even a fraction of Ronaldo’s mentality, he could have been one of the top midfielders of his time. He attributed his lack of success to a common Brazilian trait of thinking that they have already won everything and that everything is resolved. This lack of ambition held him back from achieving greater heights in his career.
Life after Football
Anderson retired from professional football in 2019 at the age of 31. After leaving Manchester United, he spent three years at Internacional before finishing his career with Adana Demirspor in Turkey. Although his career may not have lived up to his expectations, Anderson will always cherish the memories of living with Ronaldo and the impact the football superstar had on his life.
Living in Ronaldo’s house provided Anderson with a unique experience that most people can only dream of. It gave him a glimpse into the life of a football icon and taught him valuable lessons about dedication and hard work. While Anderson may have regrets about his own career, he will forever be grateful for the mentorship and support he received from Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Manchester United.