3 facts about Cristiano Ronaldo that you didn't know

"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most influential athletes in sports today. I greatly respect his competitive mind-set on the field, and it’s no surprise that he is currently considered the best soccer player in the world" - Pele told the Time Magazine during the Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo was inducted as one of The World's 100 Most Influential People. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most iconic global superstars in the world at this moment, but there is more to him, than what we perceive him to be. Here are the 7 facts about Ronaldo that people might not know about. 

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo never wanted the number 7 shirt

After joining Manchester United back in 2002-03, Ronaldo was offered the number 7 shirt,however, he was too worried about the pressure that the shirt that was worn by club legends like Johnny Berry, George Best, Steve Coppell, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham came along with. 

"After I joined, the manager asked me what number I'd like," he told The Sun. "I said 28. But Ferguson said 'No, you're going to have No. 7,' and the famous shirt was an extra source of motivation. I was forced to live up to such an honour." 

He was later given the same number at Real Madrid when long-serving club captain Raul Gonzales left the club for Schalke. 

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo was arrested with rape charges

A month after his father's death, Cristiano Ronaldo was taken into custody after being accused of raping a woman at a London hotel. But, very soon he was soon granted bail by the Scotland Yard due to lack of evidence to pursue a case against him. The charges were subsequently dropped a month later.  

"I have been notified that the police investigation has been closed and no action will be taken against me in relation to the allegations made previously," Ronaldo later spoke over the incident. "I have always strongly maintained my innocence of any wrong-doing and I am glad that this matter is at an end so that I can concentrate on playing for Manchester United."

#3 His footballing career almost ended when he was 15

Cristiano Ronaldo was diagnosed with racing heart when he was 15, something that could have forced the Ballon D'or winner to retire even before his football career started. He was representing Sporting CP then, and the staff was made aware of the situation. 

"His heart raced a lot when he wasn't running," Dolores Aveiro, mother of Ronaldo later revealed. "They used a sort of laser to cauterise the source of the problem. He was operated on in the morning and came out at the end of the afternoon." 

The surgery was successful and, he was discharged from hospital by the end of the afternoon.

"Before we knew exactly what he had, I was worried because there was the possibility of him giving up playing football. But the treatment went well and after some days he was back at training again."