SPORTING LISBON have renamed their academy after Cristiano Ronaldo to honour their most famous graduate and "the best player in the world".
The Portuguese giants confirmed on Monday afternoon their youth set-up would go by the name of Academia Cristiano Ronaldo.
They said in a statement: "The good son makes the house and the house that made Cristiano Ronaldo now welcomes his name in honour of the one who became the best Portuguese player of all time, the best player in the world, awarded with five Ballons d'Or and captain of the European and Nations League champions.
"The Academy will thus immortalise the name of the greatest symbol ever formed and that will be an inspiration to follow for all the youngest talents.
"The Cristiano Ronaldo Academy will represent Sporting in its excellence and will follow the destinies of the one that now gives it its name: to be the best in the world.
"Congratulations to the player Cristiano for his entire journey, thanks to Ronaldo for all his effort, dedication, devotion and glory."
Ronaldo, 35, joined the Lisbon-based club at the age of 12 in 1997 from CD Nacional in his hometown of Funchal, Madeira.
An obvious sensation, he became the first player to represent the club's Under-16, U17, U18, B and first teams in a single season.
The attacker made his senior debut against Inter Milan in August 2002 and his league debut two months later, scoring twice in a 3-0 win.
Throughout the year he attracted the attention of Liverpool, Barcelona and Arsenal before Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson came calling.
No comments:
Post a Comment