Portugal Honours Cristiano Ronaldo As They Rename Airport After Him

The international Santa Catarina Airport will be renamed Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, as a mark of honour to the football legend in recognition of the impact made by the Real Madrid star for the significant role he played in ensuring that his nation win European championship and in football worldwide The Sun reports. The airport which is located on his home island of Madeira was renamed after the Madrid star on the day Ronaldo landed at Funchal to officially open his hotel The First Pestana CR7 Hotel. The hotel is said to be the first in a global chain of hotels of the Madrid forward in a venture with Pestana Hotel Group, with locations in Lisbon, Madrid and New York set to follow.

According to The Sun, the move to rename the airport was formalized after a regional government Cabinet meeting held on Thursday where the decision was made. Mr Albuquerque described the act as a “tribute” to the footballer, who earlier this month helped his country to Euro 2016 glory in France. A bronze replica statue of Ronaldo – famous for its large bulge in the shorts department – and the CR7 museum are already tourist draws in Madeira. It will be recalled that Portugal reached the final of the Euro on home soil in 2014 but failed to cling the trophy after Greece denied them the opportunity to win their first major title.