Benatia recalls Cristiano Ronaldo's extraordinary training habits at Juventus

Medhi Benatia has shared stories from his time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, describing the forward's exceptional commitment to fitness and the influence he had on the dressing room.

Speaking about Ronaldo's professionalism, the former Morocco international said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner often went beyond the usual training routine, even after team sessions had ended.

“He was completely different from the rest of the players in his age group. Even after training ended,” Benatia said.

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“He would make us swim for 40 minutes, then spend 30 minutes in the ice bath, which was already extremely cold. I would say to him: how do you do this, man? Your bath is extremely cold, I only put my legs in it. Some players did not care much about training in the gym, but as soon as Cris arrived, you would see everyone there.”

Ronaldo's influence extended beyond training

Benatia also recalled how Ronaldo initially struggled with Juventus' pre-match routine after arriving from Real Madrid in 2018.

The Italian club traditionally organised overnight stays at a hotel before home matches, something the Portuguese forward was not accustomed to.

“I was at Juventus in 2018 when Cristiano joined. He did not much like the pre-match camps, as he was not used to them. Before every match we played at our stadium, we would enter a camp on the day before the match,” he said.

Ronaldo eventually approached Benatia to ask whether the arrangement could be discussed with the club's Italian players and coaching staff.

“Cris said to me: Bena, is there a way to speak a little with the Italians and the coach?” Benatia recalled.

Benatia recalls how Juventus changed its routine

The former defender said he agreed to raise the issue and subsequently spoke with Giorgio Chiellini before approaching the coach alongside other senior players.

“After that we went to speak with the coach and said to him: there are 3 or 4 players, most of them key players, who would prefer, if it is possible, so the coach replied: whoever wants to go to the camp, let him go, and whoever wants to sleep at his home, let him do so,” he concluded.

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