Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, inaugurated his own hotel on Friday called “CR7” after his initials and shirt number, while the airport on his home island of Funchal was renamed in his honour.
Just two weeks after leading Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France, the national team skipper appeared on a terrace of the red-coloured building overlooking the sea, wearing a white baseball cap.
The talismanic forward showed his delight during the grand opening ceremony of the resort that boasts an Apple TV and PlayStation 4 in every room, by thanking the President of Portugal, as well as others.
“Thanks to my family for everything they do for me, to my friends and the people who have supported me from the beginning,” said the 31-year-old.
“Nothing was easy in my early days and this is my identity. It is a very important day for me.”
Ronaldo was born on the island but moved to the Portuguese mainland upon joining Lisbon-based Sporting CP as a 12-year-old.
Meanwhile, the president of the Madeira region, Miguel Albuquerque, said that the local airport would be named in Ronaldo’s honour.
On Saturday, Ronaldo will visit his new museum which is situated on the ground floor of his hotel.
A second “CR7” hotel is due to open in Lisbon later this year with two others planned in Madrid and New York in 2017.
