‘Cristiano Ronaldo would gift us iPads, mobile phones, perfumes’: Alvaro Morata shares untold Real Madrid story
Alvaro Morata revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo would take him shopping and also gave gifts to other teammates, like iPads and mobile phones.
Alvaro Morata hailed Cristiano Ronaldo for his generosity during their time together at Real Madrid. Morata took a walk down memory lane, revealing that Ronaldo would give gifts to younger teammates.

Speaking on the El Camino de Mario podcast, Morata claimed that Ronaldo played a huge role in helping him settle during his early days at Real Madrid.
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‘He would give us an iPad, a mobile phone, perfumes… it was spectacular’: Alvaro Morata
The AC Milan striker revealed that Ronaldo would take him shopping and also gave gifts to other teammates, like iPads and mobile phones.
"I remember when I was young and we went for pre-seasons, he would tell me what I needed or we would go shopping, He would give us an iPad, a mobile phone, perfumes… it was spectacular", said Morata.
"The first phase was not the same as the second. In the first, I was very young and perhaps I wasn't used to the demands that a player of his level imposes. There are times when, perhaps, a kid who comes off the bench or who wants to show off shoots at the goal because his friends or family are in the stadium.
"It's normal that the demand is incredible, but with me he always had exceptional treatment," he added.
Morata also had a second spell with Ronaldo at Juventus, which showed another side of the Portugal star's personality. He hailed Ronaldo's dedication to the sport, which made him the greatest ever.
"We spent a lot of time together, talking about many things. What I would say about Cristiano is that, despite everything you see from the outside, when you go to dinner with him, it’s mind-blowing. He understands everything, he’s studied a lot of things. He’s cultured in all areas of life, which is impressive," he said.
"What can I say? There are things about Cristiano that leave you speechless. You'd arrive from a trip at five in the morning, eager to get home and lie down in bed, and the guy starts doing sit-ups, cold showers, and cycling. A guy who does that, who you see how he lives and how he faces life, I can't say he's not just the best I've ever played with, but the best of all time," he added.
ABOUT THE AUTHORNeelav ChakravartiNeelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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