Antony Ronaldo – Antony says Cristiano Ronaldo joked about his physique in a sauna and called him a role model, before his Manchester United fallout.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence at Manchester United extended far beyond the training ground, according to Antony, who has now recalled a sauna moment that he says captured the Portuguese star’s mindset.
In an interview highlighted by Misryoum. the former United winger described how Ronaldo would talk about life away from football and even set the tone for teammates to switch off. including during time in a sauna.. Antony said Ronaldo emphasized a balanced routine and framed those conversations as part of learning how to live well. not just how to perform.
Antony’s recollection matters because it underlines how star players can shape dressing-room culture through small, personal interactions, even years after their shared chapter ends.
The Brazilian also described a playful exchange in the sauna where Ronaldo joked about his physique and asked whether Antony looked “23 years old.” Antony said the comment left him slightly embarrassed. but also stressed that Ronaldo’s care and discipline at nearly 40 stood out to him as something to aspire to.
Ronaldo, who has regularly spoken about recovery and longevity, is widely associated with an intense approach to keeping his body at peak condition. Antony’s account suggests that the superstardom never stopped him from blending humor and life lessons into the day-to-day environment.
Meanwhile, Antony’s own time at Old Trafford remains one of the most turbulent periods of his career, with his relationship with the club souring after a high-profile return in 2021 and a damaging split in late 2022.
After his departure from Manchester United, Antony moved to Real Betis and has since been trying to rebuild momentum in Spain. Misryoum understands he is now operating under a fresh setup, and has contributed goals across the season as he works to put the United fallout behind him.
At the end of the day, what Misryoum sees in Antony’s story is a reminder that elite athletes can leave a lasting impression through mentorship, even when careers take very different turns afterward.