FUNCHAL // Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo now has an international airport named after him.
The Real Madrid striker was joined on Wednesday by dozens of guests and hundreds of fans in his native Madeira Islands for an official ceremony renaming the local airport as Aeroporto Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal's president and the prime minister flew to the island and unveiled a commemorative plaque outside the terminal entrance, above a bust of Ronaldo.
The 32-year-old is a local hero in Madeira, where he is seen as a rags-to-riches success. He already has a statue, a museum and a hotel named after him in the Portuguese archipelago.
"You know how proud I am of my roots, my homeland," Ronaldo, wearing a dark suit and tie, said in a speech.
The four-time player of the year has made a record 138 national team appearances for Portugal and is the team's top scorer with 71 goals.
The airport's name change was decided by the Madeira regional government after Portugal won the 2016 European Championship. Critics said a more distinguished historical figure would be more appropriate and petitions were started for and against the change.
Ronaldo acknowledged that it was rare for a public figure to be honoured in such a way while still alive, adding that he was aware some people didn't agree with the name change.
Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the tribute was legitimate, however, because it was decided by an elected government.
Ronaldo, Mr Rebelo de Sousa said in his speech, is "an example of excellence" and "projects Madeira and Portugal across the world far more than anybody else".
* Associated Press
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