Portugal forward Rafael Leão has spoken about wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt for the first time after being handed the number following the veteran captain’s departure from the national team camp.
Leão wore the shirt as Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in their UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday.
The Galatasaray forward admitted the moment was special because Ronaldo has been his idol since childhood.
“It’s been special for me to wear the No. 7 shirt because Cristiano has been my idol since I was a child,” Leão said after the match.
He also revealed a personal connection to the number, noting that both of his children were born on the seventh day of the month.
“My kids were also born on the 7th, so I am so happy,” he added.
Leão said he was determined to honour the shirt and was pleased to mark the occasion with a victory.
“I tried my best to respect this number, this shirt. I am happy with the win,” he said.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on Wednesday, paving the way for Leão to inherit the No. 7 shirt for the Nations League fixture against Denmark.
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