Cristiano Ronaldo dubbed ‘cry baby’ after Portugal arrive in Madeira to celebrate Euro 2016 triumph with Sweden friendly
CRISTIANO RONALDO was dubbed a “cry baby” for his tantrums on the way to stardom, a childhood friend has revealed.
Madeira airport will be renamed tomorrow in a tribute to the Real Madrid superstar, who grew up there, after he fired his country to their first major trophy last summer.
Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates arrived in his home town on Monday to celebrate their stunning Euro 2016 success.
One man who saw him setting off on the path to glory says Ronaldo frequently used to throw his toys out of the pram when he did not get his way.
Ronaldo was called a "cry baby" by his childhood team-mates due to his tantrums when his team lost or if he didn't receive the ball.
Ricardo Santos played alongside the four-time Ballon d'Or winner for amateur team CF Andorinha in Madeira, where Ronaldo's father worked as a kit man.
Ronaldo and Pepe pose with the Euro 2016 trophyGetty ImagesPlenty of fanfare greeted the Portugal side as they arrived in MadeiraAP:Associated PressThe whole team gather to celebrate their successAP:Associated PressThe 'Winker' acknowledges his fans as he steps off the team bus in MadeiraEPA
Santos said: "Cry baby, yes, because Ronaldo already loved to win like he loves today and when he lost and when other kids didn't pass the ball to him he used to cry."
Ronaldo, 32, has clinched an impressive four league titles and three Champions League trophies, on his way to becoming the competition's record scorer.
And the cherry on the cake appeared to be captaining the Portugal team to their shock Euro 2016 victory over hosts France.
Ronaldo did not let the Euro 2016 trophy far from his sightAP:Associated Press
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Ronaldo and his team-mates will face Sweden in a friendlyEPA
His latest achievement sees a name change at the airport just outside his hometown of Funchal on Madeira island.
Ronaldo is expected to attend a ceremony at the airport on Wednesday, a day after his Portugal side face Sweden in the city for a friendly.
It will be the first time Ronaldo has played for the national team in the city where he grew up.
Funchal also features a Ronaldo statue, a museum dedicated to him and a hotel complex named after him.
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