Sporting Lisbon has renamed its Academy after the Portuguese football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano was scouted by the club and got admitted into the Academy in 2002 where it didn’t take him long before establishing a name amongst his peers as a lethal goal scorer.
He joined Manchester United for £12 a year later after he single-handedly terrorized veteran red devil defenders during a friendly, winning the hearts of United’s officials.
At Old Trafford, Ronaldo set the foundations of his legacy, winning three premier league titles, a champions league trophy, and his first-ever Ballon d’Or award.
His desire for new challenges saw him join Real Madrid in a record move where he had a successful 9-year spell. At Bernebue, he won 4 major European titles, 4 Ballon d’Or awards, and the Euro2016 with his Portugal side.
In the hunt for a new experience, Ronaldo joined Juventus from Real Madrid in 2018, where he has continuously set high standards regardless of his age of 35. You can follow all Serie matches and bet with Betway88.
Sporting still holds Cristiano in high esteem has now named their academy ‘Academia Cristiano Ronaldo’ in honor of the Euro2016 winner, and the club’s greatest ever player. Remember to bet on all Portuguese league matches with Betway88 for a chance to win.
The report published on the club website read;
“The good son makes the house and the house that made Cristiano Ronaldo now welcomes his name in honor of the one who became the best Portuguese player of all time, the best player in the world, was awarded the Ballon d’Or five times and captained the national team to European Championship and Nations League success.
“Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Leonina family in 1997 at the age of 12. On August 14, 2002, at just 17 years old, he made his senior debut against Inter.
“The Academy will thus immortalize the name of the most significant symbol ever formed, and that will be an inspiration to follow for all the youngest talents.
“On a date to be announced, and as soon as conditions permit, the club will make the official inauguration.
“This tribute is part of a project to recognize several reference points of the club, including some of the most extraordinary talents produced by the Academy, whose training camps will receive their names. This list will be announced shortly.
“The Cristiano Ronaldo Academy will represent ADN 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 Leão Ronaldo for all his effort, dedication, devotion, and glory.
“Once Leo, always Leo.”
Currently, Ronaldo is focused on the fledgling Serie A season, which he started by scoring a goal in the 3-0 win against Sampdoria in their opener last weekend.
Despite the arrival of Andreas Pirlo as the new manager, Ronaldo is expected to retain his starting team position.
The Portuguese captain has never hesitated to affirm his gratitude to his boyhood club, SP Lisbon and Manchester United for their roles in the success of his career. Betway88 Insider believes the move by Sporting Lisbon is expected to motivate the player to achieve greater results this season and beyond.