Life hasn’t always been happy for the 23 year old phenom. One year ago, his mother Dolores told the world how Cristiano Ronaldo’s older brother Hugo’s addiction to drugs, and the death of Cristiano Ronaldo’s father Dinis impacted him deeply.
Dolores explains that Cristiano Ronaldo had taken action to get older brother Hugo into a drug rehab clinic in Lisbon Portugal, which has helped the older Hugo stay drug free to this day.
Unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to save his father from drinking himself to an early grave.
Cristiano and his father Dinis had been inseparable before the young Cristiano left to join the Sporting camp in Lisbon Portugal.
“Time and time again Cristiano offered to pay to get him treatment, but Dinis kept on drinking”. His mother would say. “Cristiano was very close to his dad. He would have loved him to still be around to see the player he is today. It’s very sad.” Dolores would go on to say.
On September 5, 2005, the eve of Portugal’s World Cup Qualifier against Russia which was being played in Moscow, Cristiano received the news of his father’s passing. By choice, Cristiano Ronaldo played in the qualifier and then flew home to be with his family.
Because of his brother and father’s addictions, Cristiano does not drink nor smoke. “His only addiction is football” His mother was quoted as saying.
I’m glad he got through it, and glad his brother staying clean