Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid star and World Player of the Year, was in Shanghai yesterday as a brand ambassador for MTG to promote the company’s latest training gear — Sixpad. 

Based on the Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) theory, Japanese manufacturer MTG said the slim, light and cordless device is highlighted by its design, effect and safety, which can be used anytime and anywhere for regular training.

“We think that the Chinese people today are very concerned about their health and wellness,” said Bethal Singh Thakral, executive director of Thakral China, which is the sole distributor of the product in China.

“A Sixpad is a great solution not only for the body trainer or athlete, but even for the everyday worker who cares about his body and needs to exercise during his or her busy schedule.”

The Potuguese soccer star also revealed the secret of his success on the pitch — telling his Chinese fans that full dedication to training was the key. “I dedicate 100 percent of myself to the games and training,” said Ronaldo, who boasts a huge fan base in Shanghai. “That is the way to achieve my goals and guarantee a good performance.”

Indeed, with a well-shaped muscular body and chiselled looks, the Portuguese is probably one of the best candidates to become the promoter of the new fitness product Sixpad — an electric muscle toner that can be attached to the torso.

The Portuguese international, nicknamed CR7, also promised his followers in Shanghai another visit soon when Spain’s Real takes on Italian Serie A giant AC Milan in an International Champions Cup match at Shanghai Stadium on July 30.

Ronaldo, who earns an estimated US$43 million a year in salary and endorsements, confirmed at yesterday’s product launch ceremony that he was involved in the development procedure of the device by giving advice through his fitness training experiences.

“It’s for all age groups no matter young or old,” he said. “They should all try the product which is good for building a body line.”

Tsuyoshi Matsushita, president of MTG, revealed that he communicated a lot with Ronaldo about muscle training before launching the new product.

“He gave me an important advice that besides intense training, it is also crucial to rest the muscles properly to maximize the training effect, a concept we have put into designing our product,” he conceded.

Sixpad is touted as “the wearable training gear for a stronger, more beautiful body,” which can be used while reading or doing household chores, or even during business or leisure trips.”

Thakral China said the product has been put on sale from July 9 in six countries — China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.