While Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his ego-centric character on the football pitch, few know about his softer and more charitable side.The Portuguese striker has previously been named the world's most charitable sportsman.Ronaldo revealed early on in his career that the reason he doesn't have any tattoos is so that he can donate blood more frequently. Ronaldo, who is also a bone marrow donor, decided to first donate blood when the son of his Portuguese teammate, Carlos Martins, fell ill with leukemia.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest football players of all time. But many people also dislike the Juventus striker because of his very confident and seemingly arrogant persona.Few, however, know of Ronaldo's softer side and his dedication to charity work. For example, in 2015 Ronaldo was named the world's most charitable sportsperson. Some of his most charitable acts include auctioning off his 2013 Ballon d'Or trophy for $775,000 to donate the proceeds to the Make-A-Wish foundation, funding the construction of a pediatric hospital in Chile, and even paying for the cancer treatment of a 9-year-old fan.Although his outward appearance might fit all the clichs of a self-obsessed football player ' the hairstyle, luxury cars, and designer clothes ' one detail is striking: Ronaldo's body is not covered in tattoos. He stands out in a sport where body art is very popular with players. But why has the superstar chosen not to ink his body'Celebration time'Join me and give a gift for life! Sign up to donate blood and plasma at https://t.co/4kjqXfhE25 pic.twitter.com/yIWgzp5PZG' Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 30, 2017In an early interview with the Italian news website Diretta, Ronaldo said: "I don't have tattoos so that I can donate blood more often."While people with tattoos can still donate blood, they can only do it after at least four months of receiving new ink, according to the Red Cross. This is because of the risk of infection. The same rule also applies to piercings or permanent makeup.Ronaldo decided to first donate blood when the son of his Portuguese teammate, Carlos Martins, fell ill with leukemia in 2011. The then three-year-old was diagnosed with a very rare type of blood disease.Ronaldo is also registered as a bone marrow donor. "I did it many years ago and if I had to do it again, I would, because this is a very serious disease for many children and we need to help them...It's a simple process and then you feel happy because you know you are helping another person," he once said.So while Ronaldo still fits the image of a typical football millionaire, his tattoo-less body appears to be proof he also uses his fame to make the world a little better.SEE ALSO:Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly makes more money being an influencer on Instagram than he does playing soccer for JuventusJoin the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: People are still debating the pink or grey sneaker, 2 years after it went viral. Here's the real color explained.
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