By Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, has once again showcased his unwavering commitment to his fans by going the extra mile to take a selfie with supporters ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opening match against Czechia on Tuesday evening. The 39-year-old, who now plays the majority of his football in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, has been garnering plenty of attention in the build-up to the match, with his presence in Europe becoming increasingly rare.
Portugal’s public training sessions have been sold out as fans clamored to catch a glimpse of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. One youngster even sprinted onto the pitch during a recent team practice to try and get a picture with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star before being escorted off by security.
Despite typically preferring to keep a low profile at major tournaments to maintain focus on upcoming fixtures, Ronaldo was happy to oblige a delighted group of fans. Protected behind a metal fence, he could have easily ignored the request for a photo, but instead, he decided to go above and beyond to pose for a selfie that later went viral online.
Demonstrating his dedication, Ronaldo awkwardly climbed through a bush to get near the eagerly-waiting supporters. After navigating the tricky terrain, he smiled and posed for a photo with three fans who couldn’t believe their luck. The moment appeared to be a special one-on-one interaction, as the fans seemed to be the only ones in the vicinity.
Ronaldo looked delighted to have been able to meet the Portuguese supporters before returning to join his teammates as Portugal’s 8pm kick-off time loomed closer. The Al-Nassr striker is expected to start in Portugal’s opening group game of Euro 2024 after an impressive goalscoring season in the Saudi Pro League, where he set a new record for the most goals in a single season.
Having previously helped guide his country to success in Euro 2016, this year’s edition of the UEFA tournament is expected to be Ronaldo’s last. His dedication to his fans and his unwavering commitment to the sport continue to inspire and delight supporters worldwide, cementing his status as one of football’s greatest-ever players.
As Portugal prepares to face Czechia in their opening match, Ronaldo’s focus will undoubtedly be on leading his team to victory and making his mark on what could be his final European Championship. However, his willingness to go the extra mile for his fans serves as a reminder of the special bond he shares with his supporters and the impact he has had on the beautiful game.
