Former Real Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart has shared some surprise revelations about Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo spent almost a decade at Real Madrid, after moving to the Spanish capital from Manchester United, winning a host of titles including four Champions League crowns.

The Portuguese superstar established himself as one of the best players in the world during his time in Madrid and left in 2018 for Juventus as the club’s all-time top scorer after netting 451 goals in 438 appearances.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While Ronaldo is best-known for his outrageous talent he is also famed for his incredible work ethic.

Van der Vaart has used a rather revealing anecdote to highlight just how hard Ronaldo worked at Real Madrid and also offered some insight into his single-minded attitude.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ?

The ex-Real and Tottenham playmaker told talkSPORT’s The LineUp: “He never left his house! I always say as a joke, Ronaldo is the only player that I never saw his willy!

He was the first one on the training [pitch]! And the last one who went. First of all his body, wow! A machine. He was a little bit ahead of his time, players now are the same.

But his training in the gym, food, sleep. For him that was more important than training extra hard.”

Van der Vaart also spoke about Ronaldo’s selfish mindset.

He said: “Ronaldo was so unbelievably selfish, if we won 6-0 and he did not score, he was not happy. When we lose but he scored twice, it’d be alright!”

However, the Dutchman insisted Ronaldo’s behaviour was not a problem, adding: “No, no! It was just that he needs to score. It was the same with Ruud van Nistelrooy, I had so many chats with him and it was so interesting because he was always like ‘I need my goals! I need my goals!'”

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO ?

Ronaldo is now in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr but is continuing to bang in the goals at the grand old age of 39.

The Portuguese superstar hit his 900th career goal back in September and has been tipped to hit the 1,000 mark before he finally hangs up his boots.