‘Why Have You Got A Private Chef?!’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Early Manchester United Days Revealed By Former Team-Mate

Before Cristiano Ronaldo became a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and global icon, he was just a young, skinny teenager trying to find his feet at Manchester United — and according to former team-mate Danny Simpson, that journey wasn’t as glamorous as it seems.

In a recent interview with GOAL, Simpson peeled back the curtain on how the Portuguese prodigy went from being shouted at in training to becoming one of the most disciplined athletes in football history.

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The Birth Of A Legend At Old Trafford

When Sir Alex Ferguson signed Ronaldo from Sporting CP in 2003, few could have predicted the transformation that was about to unfold. The then-18-year-old winger was flashy, unpredictable, and obsessed with stepovers — but still miles away from the polished machine he would become.

Simpson recalls:

“When he came in, I remember times when the lads were shouting at him constantly — Gary Neville, for example. He didn’t know when to release the ball or make the right decisions. But he had insane ability, and being around players like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs helped him mature.”

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The Transformation: From Skinny Teen To Powerhouse

Then came the moment everyone noticed something different. After one summer break, Ronaldo returned to Carrington looking like a completely new player.

“He came back massive!” Simpson laughed. “It was like, ‘What have you been eating?’ He realised he was going to get kicked and pushed around, so he worked on his strength, balance, and stability every day.”

That work ethic became the cornerstone of Ronaldo’s career — the early signs of the relentless dedication that would later define him.

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Marginal Gains: The Private Chef Story

One of the most surprising details from Simpson’s recollection was Ronaldo’s early commitment to fitness and nutrition.

“He had a private chef, and we were all like, ‘Why have you got a private chef?!’” Simpson said. “But that was Ronaldo. He started looking after his body from day one — sleep, diet, recovery, ice baths. He was doing it before anyone else.”

These habits, which seemed over-the-top at the time, became industry standards for elite athletes. Ronaldo’s obsession with marginal gains set a new benchmark in professional football — one that continues to inspire younger players.

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From Criticism To Greatness

While many mocked his flashy style and over-the-top preparation early on, Ronaldo’s focus never wavered. Surrounded by mentors like Scholes, Giggs, and Ferguson, he evolved into a complete player — one capable of dominating defenders, scoring iconic goals, and leading Manchester United to three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

“He does everything right,” Simpson concluded. “From his diet to his recovery — that’s why he’s still going strong over 40.”

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Sports Market International Insight

At Sports Market International, we see Ronaldo’s story as more than just a tale of talent — it’s a masterclass in athlete branding and discipline. His early investment in personal care, performance science, and image shaped not only his career but also the sports market itself.

Today, Ronaldo’s approach defines what it means to be a modern athlete — where excellence isn’t accidental but engineered through routine, recovery, and resilience.

That’s why Sports Market International remains one of the Best Sports Blogs — bringing you stories that go beyond the pitch to reveal the mindset behind sporting greatness.