Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ronaldo: My tears for dad
Footie star on losing alcoholic parent at 20 Naomi reveals shot new look
CRISTIANO Ronaldo broke down while discussing his late father, an alcoholic who he had a strained relationship with.
The legendary Juventus star was left in tears after watching footage of his dad, Jose Dinis Aveiro – who died of alcoholism aged 52 – discussing his achievements.
After the clip, Ronaldo said: “I didn’t expect to cry but I never saw these images. I don’t know my father 100% – he was a drunk person. I never spoke with him, like a normal conversation.
“It was hard. When I speak about my father, I feel sometimes no words to explain.”
Dinis was an equipment manager for local football club Andorinha in Madeira, where Ronaldo, now 34, grew up. He named his son after his favourite actor, then US President Ronald Reagan.
Dinis began drinking heavily as he struggled with the after-effects of his military service. Ronaldo was 20 and establishing his career at Manchester United when his father NAOMI Campbell made a controversial fashion statement with a dress featuring a fake, bloody bullet hole during London Fashion Week.
The model wore a white frock by Mowalola, a Nigerian designer based in London. Mowalola said her collection is inspired by the “horrific” side of love, adding: “It’s like a horror movie.”
Naomi, 49, wore the dress to her fashion show at the British Museum in Central London, where she held an auction in aid of the Mayor’s Fund for London, a social inequality charity.
Stars including James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, 66, were there to support the fundraiser. Naomi told the Mirror: “When we need to come together, we make it happen.” passed away in London. Speaking to TV host Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said he is sad that his father did not live to see his huge success.
He said: “To be number one and he don’t see nothing. My family see – my mum, brothers, even my old[est] son – but my father, he died young.”
Ronaldo has four children. Cristiano Jnr, nine, twins Eva Maria and Mateo, two, were born via a surrogate.
He has a girl, Alana Martina, one, with his girlfriend, model Georgina Rodriguez, 25.
The footballer said he plans to marry “the love of his life” Georgina, who he has been dating for three years. He said: “It’s not the priority but, of course, one day for sure. It’s my mum’s dream as well, so why not?”
Ronaldo said it was love at first sight when he met Georgina.
He added: “Geo is part of me. She helped me so much. I’m in love for her. I open the heart for her, she open the heart for me.” Cristiano Ronaldo Meets Piers Morgan, tomorrow at 9pm on ITV.