EUROVISION winner Salvador Sobral was greeted as a national hero upon his return home to Portugal a day after his triumph in Kiev.
But the 27 year-old insists he is not fit to be classed alongside Real Madrid star Ronaldo in the pantheon of Portuguese greats.
Sobral was a virtual unknown before his triumph in Kiev, but around 2,000 jubilant fans turned up to cheer his arrival at Lisbon airport on Sunday.
His ballad Amar Pelos Dois (Love For Both) conquered Kiev, watched by millions around the world.
But he says that Ronaldo is the real “hero” after he helped fire his country into the Euro 2016 final, limping off as Portugal shocked hosts France to clinch their first major trophy.
Funchal airport, on his home island of Madeira, has since been renamed in tribute.
The footballer also had a bizarre bust unveiled at the airport.
Sobra said: "Without wanting to sound presumptuous, this win is very important for Portuguese culture.
"But I'm not a hero. That's Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I'm exhausted and just want to rest. I know this won't last. I want to be known as a musician. Not as the Eurovision winner."
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"I'm happy my romantic song won, and I hope the gala stops being a popularity contest.
Sobral's win on Saturday gave Portugal its first Eurovision win since it started competing in the international competition in 1964.
The following day Ronaldo then notched up his 400th Real goal in a 4-1 win Liga win over Sevilla.
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