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In the "Tribunes" section - another great article by EuroFootball.com visitor Eivida about the star of the Portuguese national team. This time, it is suggested to read about the talented defender Cristiano Ronaldo who has received a lot of criticism in recent months.
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Some love him, while others hate him ... Some simply call him a nasty individualist and "diver," while others, ignoring all of that, adore him. However, both sides have to admit his talent, amazing ball control technique, and speed. So who is this constantly controversial C.Ronaldo?
C.Ronaldo: The child of Madeira Island
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, in the capital of Madeira Island, Funchal. He grew up in a small and poor world, watching hard-working and constantly toiling people around him. His family's old house still stands on the hill in the "Santo Antonio" workers' district. Nobody lives there anymore, although previously Cristiano's whole family resided there: his brother Hugo, sisters Elma and Katia, and parents Jose Dinis and Maria Dolores. All the children lived in a small room. There was no more space, and dreams of grand mansions of the rich were just fantasies. The family tried to earn as much as possible to make it easier for the children. However, despite that, C.Ronaldo saw a poor but very cozy and safe world, where there was no rush or tension, and only smiling and sincere people walked around.
During the day work, and in the evening - football as relaxation, art, as the only thing that makes you forget everything: poverty, troubles, unhappiness. So little Cristiano was no different from others. He started chasing the ball when he was only 2 or 3 years old. And when he started attending middle school, he already had an extraordinary passion for this game.
Maria Dos Santos, a middle school teacher, remembers Cristiano well: "He attended various school events, but he loved to have time for himself, time for football the most... Football was his whole world." Sharing his memories with other students, the teacher recalls Cristiano: "Watch - this is Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo!"
C.Ronaldo: The young genius
His talent began to show very early on; at just 10 years old, he already felt who and when to pass the ball to. Whereas other boys of his age were true individualists, only seeing three things: the football, the field, and the goal.
Current "Andorinha" club president Rui Santos was also impressed by Cristiano's talent: "When I first saw him, I knew he was extraordinary. But no one ever thought he would achieve so much in so little time." Cristiano's tears during EURO 2004 final had a special meaning for Santos. He saw such an emotional response from the boy much earlier on the field.
Nowadays, Cristiano is still expected to achieve a lot. He is called the young talent, admired. His more mature game, experience, which comes with time and practice, are awaited. So let's just say: we'll live - we'll see.
