Real Madrid C.F. and Portugal football team star Cristiano Ronaldo pleaded with American singer Madonna to snub an offer from Benfica, in favour of Sporting Lisbon, for her adopted son, according to Spanish publication AS.
Cristiano Ronaldo rang the singer after hearing that Madonna’s son could join Benfica’s academy. David Banda, 11, joined the Eagles over the summer despite Ronaldo wishing he join Sporting.
Malawi-born David was adopted by the 59-year-old singer in 2006 and she moved to Lisbon this summer in order to support her son’s footballing aspirations.
Cristiano Ronaldo had come up the ranks through Sporting Lisbon’s academy which he joined in 1997, before moving to Manchester United in 2004. Since making his breakthrough he has gone on to win four Ballon d’Or awards and four Champions Leagues as well as the Euro title with the Portugal national team.
{{/usCountry}}Cristiano Ronaldo had come up the ranks through Sporting Lisbon’s academy which he joined in 1997, before moving to Manchester United in 2004. Since making his breakthrough he has gone on to win four Ballon d’Or awards and four Champions Leagues as well as the Euro title with the Portugal national team.
{{/usCountry}}Benfica are the Portuguese champions, winning their fourth consecutive and 36th overall title last season.