Funchal (Portugal), March 29: Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Roldo was on Wednesday given a special tribute when the airport of the city of Funchal at his home state of Madeira was med after him.
During an event that saw the airport change its me officially, the Real Madrid star forward said: “I know that some people aren’t in favour of the reming, and some of you are even here right now, but we are free and live in a democracy.”
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister António Costa flew to the island and unveiled a plaque outside the entrance, above a bust of the Portuguese team captain, reports Efe.
Some argued that it is not appropriate to reme the airport after Roldo, because this usually only happens to honour an individual after their death.
Roldo pointed out that he is well aware of the responsibility of this honour, emphasising that he will always glorify Portugal, and especially Madeira. Roldo attended the ceremony accompanied by his mother Maria Aveiro, girlfriend Georgi Rodriguez and son Cristiano Jnr.
De Sousa declared that Roldo represents Portugal and Madeira more than anyone else in the world, and trusted the player will always be a role model for everyone. (IANS)