Cristiano Ronaldo Academy: Sporting rename club academy after Portuguese icon

Before Cristiano Ronaldo made it big at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, he was just a scrawny young winger from Portugal aiming to be one of the best in the world. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner burst onto the scene at Sporting Lisbon, ultimately developing into one of the finest players in world football. In due diligence with his exploits, Sporting have now paid tribute to the 35-year-old, naming their youth setup the 'Cristiano Ronaldo Academy'. Also Read: How To Watch Carabao Cup Live In India? Carabao Cup Live Stream Details For Indian Viewers Cristiano Ronaldo youth club Sporting Lisbon unveil Cristiano Ronaldo Academy Sporting Lisbon honoured their most famous graduate and 'the best player in the world' after renaming their academy the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy. In a club statement, the Portuguese giants confirmed the name change to honour their former player, who became the best Portuguese player of all time and was awarded five Ballons d'Or. Sporting Lisbon said that the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy will represent the club's excellence and will urge players to be the best in world football. Sporting Lisbon stated that the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy will immortalise 'the name of the greatest symbol ever formed' and will serve as an inspiration for the next generation of footballers. Also Read: Bayern Munich Fans At Risk Of Mass Infection At UEFA Super Cup In Budapest: Report ✨ The name of the best player ever is now perpetuated at our Academy ✨ Sporting CP's Academy is now called #AcademiaCristianoRonaldo 👑 pic.twitter.com/Uq2kKQpKQ4 — Sporting CP English (@SportingCP_en) September 21, 2020 Cristiano Ronaldo joined Sporting Lisbon as a 12-year-old in 1997 from CD Funchal, based in his hometown of Funchal, Madeira. During his time in Lisbon, Ronaldo became the first player to play in the club's Under-16, U17, U18, B and first teams in a single season and made his senior debut against Inter Milan in 2002. He scored twice on his league debut, with Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal all interested in signing the Portuguese sensation. However, it was a phone call from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson that sealed the deal, and the youngster embarked on a journey to stardom in England. Also Read: Sancho To United Unlikely After Dortmund Chief's Statement, Winger To Stay In Germany Since leaving Sporting Lisbon for £12.24 million in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo has won seven league titles and five Champions Leagues, along with five Ballon d'Or wins. Sporting announced that a special ceremony to commemorate the Cristiano Ronaldo academy would take place after COVID-19 restrictions in Portugal are eased. The club also plans to recognise other famous alumni other than Ronaldo and will name training camps after them. While Sporting are yet to release a list, one can expect the likes of Luis Figo, Ricardo Quaresma, Nani and Joao Moutinho to feature. Also Read: Undertaker Reacts To Leicester City Using His Reference To Unveil Cengiz Under Signing (Image Courtesy: Sporting Lisbon Twitter)

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Cristiano Ronaldo Academy: Sporting rename club academy after Portuguese icon

Sporting Lisbon have paid tribute to former graduate and 'the best player in the world' by renaming their club academy as the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy.

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