With a reported £25million pay deal, Cristiano Ronaldo could afford to eat like a king.
But the football legend’s former live-in chef, Giorgio Barone, reveals the secret to Ronaldo’s toned body is more about salad than salary.
“There are no expensive foods,” he insists. “But healthy foods. I use organic and natural foods – fish, chicken, veal, eggs, avocado, coconut oil and black rice.
“You have to take care of your body as if taking care of a Ferrari.”
As Ronaldo, 36, prepares for his Manchester United return, Giorgio today spills his diet secrets.
He told the Sunday Mirror his focus is on proteins, while aiming to exclude sugars, fats and carbohydrates.
Among Ronaldo’s favourites are fish, lean protein dishes, whole grains and salads – the proteins helping to both build and repair muscle and slow deterioration through age.
They also help to burn calories. Giorgio said: “I cook using coconut oil. It is also important to drink plenty of water – but purified. And drink a lot.
“Of course, it’s all combined with hard training. But rest is as fundamental as training and nutrition – including in the afternoon. And eating early in the evening, not late.”
Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, said to help burn fat and to improve cholesterol.
Giorgio was speaking after the world got another glimpse of Ronaldo’s taut chest as he celebrated breaking the international goals record with two strikes against Ireland this week.
The chef works for one player each season, taking time away from his restaurant on Sardinia.
He lived-in with dad-of-four Ronaldo after his 2018 Juventus move.
After an emotional farewell, he said: “Cristiano is a champion for all – a great man, a great father, a great family.”
