Cristiano Ronaldo’s alcoholic dad was a soldier who fought in Africa and died before seeing his son become a footballing superstar
IT'S Cristiano Ronaldo's greatest regret.
The Juventus star, now 34, has had an outstanding career that allows fans and pundits to call him the greatest of all time.
After signing for Manchester United as a precocious teen, he went on to superstardom with Real Madrid and is recognised as one of sports' biggest names across the globe.
But all that success is tinged with sadness when he reflects on a troubled family life with an alcoholic father, who missed his meteoric rise.
Dad José Dinis Aveiro died in 2005 of liver failure, when Ronaldo was just 20 - two years into his career at Old Trafford.
And in an interview with Piers Morgan, he broke down in tears when quizzed about his father's passing.
"Of course when I see Ronaldo, I remember his dad: He had problems and didn't have anything to eat, so he would turn to drinking.
"His friends would buy him drinks. He didn't have any money. He didn't eat properly."
KIT MAN
Aveiro became a gardener, and then supplemented his income by taking on the post of kit man for Andorinha, a team based in the Funchal suburb of Santo Antonio.
He was tasked with tidying up the dressing rooms and had to make sure all the players had their kits washed.
He got the job because Ronaldo played for the side, but his son was taunted by his teammates because his dad held such a poor job.
However, that made Ronaldo more hungry to succeed, to show those that teased him he was indestructible.
Aveiro was also often seen drinking in a small bar at the club as hours passed by.
GRIPPED BY ALCOHOLISM
After years of heavy-boozing and abuse, Aveiro's alcohol-ravaged body finally gave in.
In September, 2005 he passed away from liver failure aged just 51 in London.
Ronaldo had tried everything to keep his father alive, but all the money in the world couldn't stop the inevitable.
He was by Aveiro's side when he died, and made a declaration that he was going to be the best footballer in the world.
Ronaldo never broke his promise, and has gone on to win the Ballon d'Or a record five times.
But unfortunately, his father never saw his astonishing success.