“I hope they don’t boo me too much” - Cristiano Ronaldo makes feelings clear about facing heat from Ireland fans during Portugal clash

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed hope that the Republic of Ireland fans do not boo him too much in their FIFA World Cup qualifier. The 40-year-old will feature at the Aviva Stadium alongside his Selecao teammates as they look to clinch their place in next summer's World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo revealed in a press conference ahead of the game that he feels pleased to get the opportunity to play in Dublin once again. He pleaded with the fans to not boo him too much in light of his actions in their most recent meeting earlier this year.

"I really like the fans here. The support they give to the national team, it's lovely. For me, it's a pleasure to come and play here again. Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don't boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I'm going to try to be a good boy. But of course, I do my job. I try to win the game and try to score to help my team. I'm sure that the game will be difficult", he said (via ESPN).

Ronaldo and the Portugal team hosted Ireland in Lisbon last month, with the Al-Nassr man failing to find the net. He struck the woodwork before seeing Caoimhin Kelleher repel a penalty kick from him as the Irish battled hard. They succumbed in the closing stages as Ruben Neves headed home the winner, and Ronaldo drew the ire of the visiting fans as he celebrated in Jake O'Brien's face.

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for being the leading goalscorer (41 goals) in FIFA World Cup qualifying history, having eclipsed Carlos Ruiz last month. The former Real Madrid man has found the net five times in four games in this round of qualifiers as his side sit atop their group.

Liverpool star names Cristiano Ronaldo as most popular contact on his phone

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has named former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the most famous contact on his phone. The pair of attackers were teammates at Juventus before Ronaldo left the club in 2021.

Chiesa spoke with Sky Sports, and was asked to point out his most famous contact as part of the interview. He revealed that it was Ronaldo, explaining that it was a dream come true to have played alongside the Portuguese great.

"He's built like a statue, I have to say. Very good body, fantastic player, one of the greatest. It was a dream come true to play with him", he said (via Liverpool.com).

Chiesa followed in the footsteps of Ronaldo by leaving Juventus for the Premier League in 2024, joining Liverpool. He has had to be content with a bit-part role at Anfield due to his struggles with form and fitness, and will hope for a bigger role, going forward.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen