• Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during a match. — AFP/File


The News International has put out a post claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo and other Nike athletes have access to a "secret" website in order to place merchandise orders.


Since his ascent to fame back in 2003, Ronaldo has been associated with Nike, serving as the brand's representative in the football world.


The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has worn almost 70 pairs of Nike boots, including his own custom-made versions, since signing a lucrative, lifetime contract in 2016.


As part of their contracts, Nike athletes are granted access to all new releases; nevertheless, Ben Foster, a former custodian for Manchester United, has provided information on how it all operates.


Throughout his 23-year career, the former England goalie, who announced his retirement from football last year, was sponsored by Nike and accumulated a lot of freebies.


"You all get given a rep," Foster said on his Fozcast podcast, reported SportsBible.


Usually, it's a single guy who comes in once a month to take care of the football team or if there are new releases."


However, Foster disclosed that Nike athletes would have a password and login for a private website that contained credit under the previous approach.


After that, they are free to buy whatever they want, including boots and trainers.