As you know, athletes love their ink – but not Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is adamant he will never get a tattoo.
His reason may surprise you.
David Beckham has over 40 tattoos, while Messi , Wayne Rooney is no stranger to an etching here and there. Both footballers have used their body art to pay tribute to their loved ones, but there’s a very touching reason why sports mega star Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to follow suit. The Real Madrid champion regularly shows off his honed physique, but not once has he chosen to ink his skin.
In fact, he is so devoted to giving blood that he refuses to get any tattoos so he can donate more frequently.
Those with tattoos can give blood, of course, but they can’t do so immediately after because there’s a risk of infection.
Guidelines currently state that donors should wait just four months to give blood after getting a tattoo, which may suggest that the former Manchester United player donates on a very regular basis. In many countries around the world, tattoos can impact a person’s eligibility to give blood due to risks of cross-contamination and hepatitis.
Regarded by many as an arrogant pretty boy, Ronaldo has made substantial donations to help children with debilitating diseases.
Ronaldo used his global fame to try and inspire young people to save lives:
“We can all make a difference by donating blood. Each donation can benefit up to three people in emergency situations and for long-term medical treatments.” he said in 2015 via Eurosport.
“That’s why I am enthusiastic, to the importance of blood donation and to encourage people around the world to become lifelong blood donors and help save lives.”
It also emerged that Ronaldo is a bone marrow donor after witnessing the struggles of a teammate’s child.
“It was the time when Carlos [Martins] was with us on the national team. He told us about the problem with his son and we, the players, showed great unity to help him and his son because we knew it was a very complicated situation,” Ronaldo told radio station Cadena Cope.
“[Donating bone marrow] is something a lot of people think is a difficult thing to do but it’s nothing more than drawing blood and doesn’t hurt.
“I did it many years ago and if I had to do it again I would because this is a very serious disease for many children and we need to help them.”
That’s right, he passes on the permanent ink so he can continue to donate blood.
Bravo CR7!
