Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

Cristiano Ronaldo is rather boring as a person - Rafael van der Vaart

Cristiano Ronaldo has been described as "rather boring as a person" by his former Real Madrid teammate Rafael van der Vaart, who sees that the Portugal international's dedication was the basis for his great success.

Ronaldo, 31, has grabbed his customary share of attention at Euro 2016 for his angry reaction to the 1-1 draw with Iceland and then failing to convert a penalty in the 0-0 draw with Austria.

Van der Vaart, who was a teammate of Ronaldo's at the Bernabeu for one season before leaving for Tottenhham in 2010, said that -- for all the headlines and column inches he commands -- the superstar is not very exciting.

"I don't believe that I could be close friends with him," the Dutchman said. "Cristiano is rather boring as a person."

However, the midfielder, who is under contract at Real Betis until 2017, added that Ronaldo is "an outstanding professional."

Van der Vaart said: "He's the first on the training pitch, and the last to leave it."

The most recent story involving Ronaldo emerged after he allowed a pitch invader to take a selfie with him after the draw with Austria.

The fan was about to be removed from the field of play by security when Ronaldo stepped in to allow the supporter to take his photo.

The incident prompted an investigation against Portugal's FA by UEFA.

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