The health-obsessed 36-year-old took offense after the fizzy drinks were placed in front of his seat before an interview yesterday – so he moved them out of shot and told fans to ‘drink water’ instead.
Now, the multi-billion dollar drinks firm – which sponsors the tournament – has responded, acknowledging in blunt fashion that everyone has ‘tastes and needs.’Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences,’ a spokesman added.
Cristiano Ronaldo moved away the Coco-Cola bottles at the start of his press conference. Ronaldo made the gesture at a press conference ahead ahead of Portugal’s first game of the Euros, which takes place against Hungary tonight at 5pm (GMT).
The Portuguese star, one of the greatest footballers to have ever played the game, is notoriously fastidious about his diet and exercise Regime. His laser focus on fitness and well-being has has allowed him to continue playing at an elite level well into his 30s, when many players retire.
He has previously revealed that his diet consists of six mini-meals spread throughout the day, featuring plenty of fruit, vegetables, and clean protein such as fish or chicken cooked without oil.
His favourite dish is a Portuguese classic called Bacalhau à Brás that consists of layers of cod, onions, thinly sliced potatoes and black olives on top of eggs.
Mostly, the sportsman drinks water – though revealed that he enjoys the occasional glass of juice with breakfast and wine with dinner.
In terms of training, Ronaldo is thought to work out for three to four hours at a time, five days a week, and swears by a mixture of cardio, weights and football drills to keep himself in top physical condition.
Eight hours of sleep per night to help keep up his ‘mental strength’ rounds out the routine of one of the fittest men on the planet.
Following the press conference, a 2006 advert that appears to show Ronaldo promoting Coca Cola has resurfaced online.
