Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Government of the Madeira region, expressed his full support for Cristiano Ronaldo, the national team star and Saudi Al-Nassr club player, following his departure from the national team's training camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
In a statement made on the sidelines of the opening ceremony and handover of keys for 20 social housing units in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, the regional leader considered that the Portuguese national team captain is being treated unfairly due to "trivialities and foolishness."
President of the Madeira Government comments on the Ronaldo crisis
The President of the Government of the Madeira region confirmed, during remarks reported by the newspaper "A Bola," saying: "We here in Madeira support Ronaldo," highlighting the global impact of the Portuguese star: "He is the most famous Portuguese player in the world."
He continued: "Ronaldo has been a player who raised Portugal's name high and brought it pride throughout a career spanning more than 25 years; in other words, he is one of the Portuguese players who have elevated Portugal's name the most."
The President of the Government of Madeira added: "Throughout those years, he was the best player in the world, won every possible title, and made a tremendous contribution to the Portuguese national team."
Regarding Ronaldo's early departure from the Portuguese national team's training camp in Denmark, the island's leader did not hesitate to express his opinion clearly, justifying the player's stance.
Ronaldo's historic legacy will not be erased
Albuquerque noted, saying: "They must have bothered him, as he delivered an excellent performance. No one has patience for these trivial and ridiculous matters aimed at diminishing his work and his status."
Although acknowledging that the striker is not always right, Albuquerque emphasized that his legacy will remain eternal with the passage of time, unlike the noise surrounding him.
He added: "The most important thing at this moment is for Ronaldo to remain as he has always been, a top-class player, a Portuguese representative who embodies his country perfectly, and who raised Portugal's name beyond its borders in a way no one had done before him."
He further stated: "After 30 years, no one will know who the coach was, no one will know who was responsible for the Portuguese football team, and no one will know who commented on the matches."
Miguel Albuquerque concluded: "Everyone will know after 30, 40, and 50 years who Cristiano Ronaldo is. This is the difference between greatness and mediocrity."
