When Modric, Casemiro and Co. ‘Begged’ Ronaldo to Hug Them After He Embraced Marcelo

• Cristiano Ronaldo commands immense respect and admiration from his colleagues
• The 38-year-old's presence leaves most people starstruck including his teammates
• Heartwarming footage from his time at Real Madrid has touched the hearts of many

Cristiano Ronaldo has often been perceived as arrogant, egoistic, and self-centred, often slammed for showing little regard for others' feelings.

Disgraced former FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, even gave him the nickname 'Commandant', likening his on-field behaviour to that of a brutal military officer.

However, those who have had the chance to get close to him present a different side of the 38-year-old. One of his former Real Madrid teammates, Marcelo, shares an inseparable bond with the Portuguese phenom.

They engaged in choreographed goal celebrations and shared hearty laughs both on and off the pitch, highlighting Ronaldo's camaraderie with his fellow players.

An old video of their days at Real Madrid has popped up on Twitter, showing CR7 - who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia - sharing a warm embrace with the Brazilian defender at the club's training base.

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The gesture caught the attention of the rest of the squad, leading to a series of requests for hugs, with players like veteran midfielder Luka Modric, goalkeeper Keylor Navas, and midfield linchpin Casemiro joining in.

Fans react to Ronaldo's hugs

The video has since warmed the hearts of many online users, with many trooping to the comment section to drop heartwarming messages.

@MousamDas777 wrote:

"Watched the video with a big fat smile and a teardrop in the corner of my eye when it ended."

@utkarshpatil321 added:

"This is wholesome."

@ojedeji_praise believes the video underlines how Ronaldo was held in high esteem by his teammates:

"He was adored."

@lerato61248413 reckoned:

"Goat for a reason."

@VishaalWeshaall, on the other hand, was caught in a whirlwind of emotions:

"I smiled yet cried a little."

Marcelo recreates Ronaldo's Siuuu

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Marcelo and Ronaldo reenacting the 'Siuuu' celebration during Fluminense's Copa Libertadores group game against River Plate.

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The two veteran footballers share a close relationship that transcends the pitch, even after parting ways following a successful stint together with Real Madrid.

One of the highlights of their friendship was the moment of camaraderie showed when Ronaldo and Marcelo celebrated with a choreographed moment.