LOOKS LIKE THE BALL’S BUST!
Madeira Airport named after Ronaldo but his statue has fans baffled
CRISTIANO RONALDO said he was ‘happy and honoured’ at having Madeira Airport named in his honour — but the Real Madrid superstar found himself upstaged by his bust. The Aeroporto da Madeira in Ronaldo’s home town of Funchal was named after the Portugal international in a ceremony yesterday, with a bronze statue of the 32-year-old unveiled. But the rather questionable likeness of a player often regarded as prickly over his image, despite being one of the game’s greats, was widely ridiculed on social media. Ronaldo, who was accompanied by his mother Maria Aveiro, girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and son Cristiano Jnr, seemed unconcerned by the reaction, and said he was thrilled at having the airport named after him. Some locals, though, have expressed concerns that a landmark such as an airport should not be named after a sportsman — no matter their stature — although the move is expected to boost tourism on the island. ‘I never asked for this, but I’m not a hypocrite, and I’m happy and honoured,’ he said. ‘I will try to dignify Portugal and Madeira with a spirit of sacrifice, dignity and passion. ‘Everyone knows that I am proud of my country and especially my home city. ‘Thank you very much to the president of the regional government for having had the courage and the firmness to do it.’