How Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos got a ripped physique like Cristiano Ronaldo - diet and workout revealed

Although immensely talented, the 6ft tall defender played as a right-back at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Quick across long distances and with incredible stamina, the teenager knew he needed to work on his core strength and explosive power if he were to develop and achieve his undoubted potential.

After moving to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2005, Ramos did not play in the centre of Madrid's defence until 2009 thanks to an injury to Pepe.

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However, the fiercely determined Spaniard made the position his own and started to dominate LaLiga attackers whilst maintaining his electric pace.

Speaking about his work ethic, he told UEFA : "I get up every day with the same desire to keep improving which I've had since I was a kid. I'm not looking for recognition. All I want to do every year is do even better, forget what we've won and set new challenges. I'll keep going as long as the body allows it.

"My grandfather and father always told me that even if there's only one second left, there's still hope. You've got to have that attitude, and that's always been the attitude at our club.

"To set an example, you have to perform well, work hard and give your all; show the younger lads so you can ask the same of them. I'm very happy to have the chance to lead this team.

"I'm happy if I'm a role model. I think I've fought and sacrificed a lot, so that when I retire I can do so with my conscience clear, after having won everything there is to win.

So how exactly did he manage to transform from a scrawny right-back to the ripped defender who takes no prisoners today?

Diet

The most crucial part of Ramos' transformation was to correctly fuel his body with the right food to allow him to bulk up safely.

Without wanting to add unnecessary muscle or lose any speed, the key was to get the right amount of calories as opposed to simply increasing the volume.

In an interview with High Snobiety, Ramos revealed his breakfast is easy to replicate before training.

He said: "I usually take a coffee, some whole-grain bread with protein like turkey breast or a poached egg, and a piece of fruit.

"It's a nutritious, balanced breakfast. If we don't have a training session with the team, I take something a bit lighter."

SERGIO RAMOS DIET PLAN

Breakfast: Whole grain bread, turkey breast with avocado and coffee

Mid-morning snack: Mixed berries, handful of almonds, yoghurt

Lunch: Salad with vegetables sprinkled with sunflower and pumpkin seeds

Afternoon snack: Banana and pea protein shake

Dinner: Cod with lemon, herbs and olives

Exercises

Ramos favours high-intensity workouts which are based on functional movement. What this means is he focuses on core strength and targeting specific muscle groups each time he trains.

He then mixes this with isometric work outs to improve his muscular endurance as well as cardio.

Although he can be seen exercising regularly at home in his own gym, everything is done under the supervision of the Real Madrid medical team to compliment muscle density and on-pitch training.

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