Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has shed light on Cristiano Ronaldo’s generous nature during his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu. Often celebrated for his remarkable goal-scoring records and competitiveness, Ronaldo is also known for his kindness and thoughtfulness off the pitch, as Casilla revealed in a recent interview with El After de Post United.
Ronaldo, who spent nine memorable years at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018, not only established himself as one of football’s greatest by netting 450 goals and providing 131 assists in 438 appearances, but also contributed to the team’s success, helping secure two La Liga titles, four domestic cups, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and three Club World Cups. Throughout his career, many perceived him as solely focused on individual achievements; however, Casilla emphasized that the Portuguese superstar is a compassionate teammate and a genuine human being.
“He’s a phenomenon, a wonderful human being who helps even the last youngster coming up from the academy,” said Casilla. “Ask him for anything and he’ll give it to you.” He further recounted a striking example of Ronaldo’s generosity during a pre-season tour in the United States, where Ronaldo purchased the latest iPhones and Apple Watches for every member of the club’s staff, including physiotherapists, security personnel, and others involved with the team.
“These are things he doesn’t mention himself because there’s no point bragging about it,” Casilla added. “He’s a person who likes to help or thank everyone around him with those gestures.” This generosity exemplifies Ronaldo’s humility and commitment to fostering a positive environment within the squad.
Casilla also highlighted Ronaldo’s leadership qualities, especially after Zinedine Zidane’s arrival as manager: “With the presence he had and everything he represented, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema stepped up so as not to let him down.” Such teamwork and respect for the collective goals underscore Ronaldo’s role beyond just a prolific scorer.
After his successful stint at Real Madrid, Ronaldo moved to Juventus and later returned to Manchester United in 2021 for a challenging period. Currently, he plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, having signed the most lucrative football contract that will extend his playing career beyond the age of 42.
For more details, visit the original report on Goal.com Ghana.
