2018 FIFA World Cup Diaries: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s Statue Replaced at Madeira Airport

Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue at the Madeira Airport, Portugal was made fun off in the last one year. The bronze statute back then had a toothy grin with his eyes bulging out. Fan mocked the figure and they even questioned the resemblance of the same. Last year, the airport was renamed after Real Madrid striker’s name.

Both his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, and his mother, Maria, attended the ceremony. As per a report, it striker’s family who had requested to replace the same. The request is now adhered by the officials of Madeira Airport, now known as Cristiano Ronaldo Airport. The statue was unveiled on June 18, 2018 when the striker celebrated his 51^st hat-trick goal against Spain.

The new statue dons a serious look and has once again created an uproar. The fans have now asked the authorities to bring back the old effigy. A petition was filed about the same which read, “The bust is more an attraction for our island today and we can not accept in any way its replacement." Even social media went berserk about the new figure and netizens posted tweets about the same.

“First one was better likeness, it captured his facial expression perfectly. This new bust could be anyone and is a little bit soulless,” read a netizen’s tweet.

“Still looks bad. They chose a really crappy sculptor,” read another tweet.

“The other one looks more like him,” read a post.

A tweet read, “Honestly, the new statue isn’t much better. You’re better off with the old one, which people will actually talk about.”

As of now, Ronaldo is leading the Portugal side for the FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s first match with Spain ended with a draw by 3-3. The team will play their second match against Morocco tomorrow.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2018 04:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).