Cristiano Ronaldo immediately changed dressing room – young players were stunned

A former team-mate of Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the simple change the Portuguese icon made in the Juventus dressing room that left the young players stunned.

Ronaldo joined Juventus in the summer of 2018 in a £105million move from Real Madrid and has since banned technology from the dressing room in a bid to limit distractions.

The former United striker was an advocate of banning mobile phones in the gym and changing rooms so players could avoid social media and focus on their work.

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His former teammate Sami Khedira – who played with Ronaldo at Juventus and Real Madrid – told Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE podcast how he left younger players shocked by his ‘ego’ and strict approach.

The former Hertha midfielder said: “Cristiano, when he arrived at Juventus, of course he had his ego.”

He described meeting Italian footballer Federico Chiesa and Ronaldo, continuing: “Federico Chiesa was like a fantastic young player.

Federico Chiesa of Juventus celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 6, 2021 in Milan, Italy. — Ronaldo singled out Chiesa for breaking this unwritten tech rule – Credit: Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

“He had his phone in his hand and was walking into the gym. Cristiano was looking at him saying, ‘What are you doing and where are you going? You’re going to the gym with your phone – listen, you don’t need your phone, come in. » the gym and work. Don’t do Instagram and don’t do TikTok.

Khedira noted that it impressed younger players – but everything about Ronaldo’s coaching style rattled his teammates. He added: “The young players were like, wow. But even the quality of training when he came to Juventus, it was like a different level.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag with Cristiano Ronaldo — Manchester United’s young players naturally looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo when he returned for a second spell with the club – Credit: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

“Every shot on target was like I needed to score. Let’s not play about money but about a bottle of wine or a dinner. He was a competitive guy but also very friendly, kind and humble. From my point of view.”

Manchester United icon Ronaldo continues to light up the main stage as he enters the Euro 2024 round of 16 with Portugal and shines in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. The 39-year-old broke the record for most goals in a single season last season with 35 in total.