Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the finest examples of hard work in sport.

Nobody can make it to the top of their profession without grit and determination, but it's Ronaldo's remarkable story and advocation of hard work that makes him such an inspiration.

We've become used to seeing Ronaldo as this impossibly perfect footballer that it can be hard to remember that he fought his way through the ranks in Portugal like so many other players.

The now multi-millionaire player wasn't born into the most luxurious of circumstances, but still battled hard to one day play for Manchester United, Real Madrid and his country.

And Ronaldo himself understands the importance of highlighting his story and that applies to his son, Cristiano Jr, who also has ambitions in the world of football with Juventus U9.

Ronaldo's humble upbringing

Of course, in light of the success of his father, Cristiano Jr has been born into far more privileged surroundings, but his father has still been sure to pass on the correct mentality.

Per AS, Ronaldo visited his old residence very recently to reflect on some old memories and - by bringing his son along with him - to teach the virtues of hard work and perseverance.

“I was so excited for him to see where I grew up," the 34-year-old informed TVI. "He already knew Madeira and the Marques de Pombal residence.

Inspiring Cristiano Jr

"He went up with me and there were still some of the same people who had lived there at the time. I was moved, if I am honest, because I didn't expect to see those people, and that touched me a bit.

“I went with Paixao and Cristianinho and we entered the room where I had stayed. My son turned to me and said: ‘Papa. Did you live here?' He could not believe it.

"They think everything is easy in this world. The quality of life, the houses, the cars, the clothes… They think that it all just falls into their lap.

"That it what I try to instill in my son, including when I do events in schools. I try to convey that these things don't come with having talent alone.

"But with hard work and dedication I think you can achieve everything you want to do."

If Cristiano Jr can ruminate on that experience as much as it has been suggested, then hopefully he can transfer his father's hard work into his own footballing ambitions.

When your dad turns up to training hours early and hops in an ice-bath after a Champions League away day, it's tough to find a better role model for making a success of yourself in sport.

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