“Pride of Portugal.” Cristiano Ronaldo congratulates his hometown Sporting Lisbon on its birthday
Cristiano Ronaldo never forgets his roots — the football superstar took to Instagram to congratulate his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon, on its birthday.
The Portuguese legend posted a throwback photo of himself in the Sporting kit, captioning it: “119 years of Portugal’s pride 🦁 Congratulations, my @sportingcp!”
It's worth noting that the Lisbon-based club celebrated its 119th anniversary yesterday, July 1st — Sporting was founded in 1906. The club is among the most decorated in Portugal, having claimed the national championship 21 times, as well as multiple Portuguese Cup and Super Cup triumphs, and a League Cup victory. Sporting also famously lifted the 1964 European Cup Winners’ Cup.
For the record, Cristiano Ronaldo came through Sporting’s academy, joining the club in 1997. He made 25 first-team appearances and scored 3 goals in the 2002/03 season before making his move to Manchester United for £12.24 million.
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