He may be 36 years old, but thanks to his incredible gym and diet routine, Cristiano Ronaldo is still one of the most coveted footballers in the world.

This week, reports from Italy claimed the superstar striker started Juventus ’ Serie A opener from the bench after a ‘personal request’ from the player.

Ronaldo is set to become a free agent at the end of this season and it has been suggested that the Bianconeri will not look to extend.

That has led to some speculation that Ronaldo could be moved on this summer while the Italian giants can still chase a transfer fee – with former clubs Manchester United and Real Madrid both linked.

The interest is a testament to the forward’s years of relentless workouts and strict dieting – which include up to six meals a day.

But how does he keep himself in top physical condition? Here we reveal some of the star’s fitness secrets.

Squeeze in abs workouts ‘whenever you can’

It’s believed that Ronaldo spends at least five days a week in the gym in addition to football training – for up to four hours at a time.

He’s also a big fan of pilates and swimming, though his personal trainers reportedly have to intervene to stop him overtraining.

Cristiano Ronaldo works around the clock to keep his body in top shape ( Image: cristiano/Instagram)

Ronaldo has a lavish home gym to get in some extra workouts ( Image: cristiano/Instagram)

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His complete sporting fanaticism once sparked a rumour that he did a ridiculous 3,000 sit-ups every DAY to get his trademark abs.

However, while launching his fitness chain CR7 Crunch Fitness, the star dismissed the claim – admitting to a only slightly less insane target.

“I do them 4-5 times a week, but the minimum is 200-300,” he said.

“It’s about the maintenance, but you should try and avoid doing too many – when you do that you get a hernia or problems with your discs.

“They are the basic exercise, really good for the front and the back, but 3,000? No, I don’t even do 3,000 a week.”

He also says that even if you can’t find time to get down the gym, you should “fit in exercise wherever you can”.

“You can do an abs workout in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed,” he explained at a 2015 unveiling of his CR7 underwear range.

“If you get into a routine then it makes it easier as it will become a habit.”