Cristiano Ronaldo made the day for many young Portuguese fans as he and his compatriots warmed up for Euro 2024 with a grassroots event.

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• Ronaldo back with Portugal after break
• Sits out friendly defeat to Croatia
• Enjoys special day with young fans

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 39-year-old returned to the Portuguese camp on Friday after been given a week off by national boss Roberto Martinez following the conclusion of the Saudi Pro League season. The Al-Nassr star was an unused substitute in his country's 2-1 friendly loss to Croatia on Saturday. On Sunday, the former Real Madrid man spent some time with a group of lucky children on the football pitch, including in goal, alongside Ruben Dias, Pepe, Jose Sa and more.

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• WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

  Alongside posting photos on X, formerly Twitter, with the youngsters and his fellow countrymen, he wrote: "Dia especial. Por eles. Para eles." (Special day. For them. For them).

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Portugal are one of the favourites to win this summer's European Championship in Germany. And if they are to lift that trophy for the second time since their 2016 triumph, Ronaldo is likely to be key as he is still a talismanic figure for his country.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ronaldo's Portugal side round off their Euro 2024 warm-up schedule when they host the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night, before beginning their tournament against the Czech Republic a week later.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News