“I really don’t know my father 100 percent“, said an emotional Cristiano Ronaldo. His dad passed away in 2005 before he could enjoy Ronaldo’s stunning success. José Dinis Aveiro, a war veteran, died of liver failure at the age of 51. Yet, Jose saw the potential in CR7 way before anyone else. According to the soccer icon, even at the age of 16, he lacked the necessary ambition and drive to be successful. However, Jose single-handedly changed the trajectory and life of his son.

Speaking on the Whoop podcast, the Portuguese star opened up on his early playing days. Cristiano Ronaldo revealed, “I started playing football at home and in the street when I was 7, 8, 9 years old, and this is where it all begins.” Although soccer was the first love for the 39-year-old, he didn’t have the belief or confidence to become a world star. This continued till the age of 16. Soon after, Jose came into the picture.

Cristiano Ronaldo revealed, “When I was 18 my father always insisted that I follow my dream. He saw that I had talent and encouraged me to play on the street and for our local team Andorinha.” CR7 played for Andorinha until the age of 10. He then left the club for Sporting in 1997.

August 6, 2003, was the date Cristiano Ronaldo’s career turned upside down. Sporting CP played Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign the winger at all costs. His wish came true and CR7 made his way to the upper echelons of European soccer. There has been no looking back since.

While Ronaldo’s father provided him with the encouragement and support to realize his dream, he also did something less known. He indirectly contributed to CR7 living a healthy and fit life.

The reason why Cristiano Ronaldo never picked up drinking habit

José Aveiro was an alcohol addict and this ultimately resulted in his liver failure and subsequent death. From a young age, Cristiano Ronaldo ensured he wouldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps. His sister Katia explained, “He got it into his head that he wasn’t going to be like the shadows. That he wouldn’t be like his father who surrendered to alcohol – and that’s why Cristiano never drank a drop of alcohol.”

But, he couldn’t keep up his vow. Portugal won the Euro in 2016 and this was the ‘most important’ prize in Cristiano Ronaldo’s career. The soccer icon confessed to drinking a bottle of champagne after the match. Ronaldo admitted to never being one to drink, but that day proved to be ‘too special.’ Even today, CR7 doesn’t drink, except for that very special occasion.