Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he was branded "too skinny" as a youngster to succeed in football.
The 30-year-old says that the words pushed him to dedicate himself to training - resulting in him becoming one of the best footballers of all-time.
The Real Madrid star won the Ballon d'Or in December and scored 61 goals for Los Blancos last season to continue his unbelievable form in white that has seen him score better than a goal a game since he moved to the club in 2009.
In a video with US sportswear giant Nike, Ronaldo revealed how his upbringing and hard work led him to his present day status as one of the best.
"You have to work so hard, I do this every day. This is why I have been at the top level for many, many years," he said.
"It's not by coincidence. I do so much extra work outside of the pitch. When I was 12 years old most of the people told me 'Cristiano you are a very talented player but you are too skinny'.
"So I put it in my mind that my body can improve. With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that - at the end of the day it's down to the person's mindset."
Ronaldo has 313 goals in 300 matches for Real Madrid, helping the club to a league title, the Copa del Rey twice and the Champions League during his time at the Bernabeu.
He also won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the Champions League in a similarly successful spell with Manchester United.
He added: "Athleticism also means a huge lot - these small details make a huge difference. So it's very important to do this work and it's going really well for me.
"That's why I'm always in good shape all year round. I do that kind of work, because I have to, it's part of me."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments