Portuguese knee surgeon Jose Carlos Noronha has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's "unique" physical qualities and revealed the Ballon d'Or winner's interest in the science behind his achievements.
Ronaldo, 31, has been a regular patient of Noronha, who has treated a host of top internationals, including Angel Di Maria and Pepe.
The Real Madrid star is yet to play for his club in 2016-17 after suffering a torn collateral ligament in the final of Euro 2016.
But the star forward has remained relatively injury-free throughout his glittering career and is likely to be back in action soon for Zinedine Zidane's side.
"He has a unique physique," Noronha said in an interview with Tribuna Expresso.
"It's like those cars that last millions of kilometres without any fault. I have known Ronaldo for 11 years, since he was in Manchester. He had some minor injuries and asked for advice.
"In addition to having a great character, he is an athlete who fulfils all that is required to maintain a physical and psychological form to the fullest, from food to sleep and fitness."
Ronaldo - perhaps unsurprisingly given his famously sculpted physique - takes an interest in nutrition, according to Noronha, who also praised the national team captain's influence on his younger team-mates.
"He is a scholar and occasionally he asks me if there are new scientific articles that you can read on food and other topics," he said.
"He is an example - exceptional. It is remarkable the support he gives to the younger players in the team, to integrate them and take away any fear or shame to be there next to a monster."
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