It has been revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo has promised new cars to members of the Real Madrid medical staff as a thank you for their work in keeping him fit over the last few seasons. Spanish newspaper Marca reported that it was a long standing pledge from the player that he would come good on if he won the coveted Ballon d'Or at FIFA's annual award ceremony this week.

Many argue that it was Lionel Messi's injury troubles in the closing months of 2013 and Ronaldo's accelerated form that gave the Real Madrid player the edge. As Barcelona's diminutive Argentine struggled with fitness, Ronaldo stepped up his performances to another level with a goal spree for Real, while also near single-handedly dragging Portugal into the World Cup finals.

Had Ronaldo missed out on being named the world's best player, Marca also reported the medical team would have been in for a treat if Real finally won their Decima, the much anticipated 10th European Crown that has long eluded the club since winning the 9th title back in 2002. It is apparently not the first time that Ronaldo has made these types of promises, with expensive jewellery and new phones having been dished out by the player as gestures of gratitude in the past.

Ronaldo is an individual who is extremely committed to fitness and training, a dedication that is one of the many attributes that make him one of the greatest players of all time. After watching Messi walk away with the Ballon d'Or in each of the last four years, finally being recognised as the best player in the world for the second time clearly meant an awful lot to the Portuguese superstar as he broke down in tears upon being presented with the award.

By generously thanking those who have worked hard to help him back to the pinnacle of the sport, Ronaldo might finally win over the numerous football fans and onlookers who constantly lambast him, choosing to see the player as arrogant and greedy compared to Messi, whose perceived humble persona has made him more widely popular.