Gracias, Cristiano

Tribute to CR7

Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo gestures to supporters after the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine on May 26, 2018. – Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3-1. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / ALTERNATIVE CROP (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) /

Ronaldo has left Real Madrid. Let me say that again, Ronaldo has LEFT his beloved Real Madrid. He is no longer a Madridista or a part of Los Blancos. He will no longer be seen at the glorious Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, repping the white jersey with the famous number seven stamped on his back. He will no longer be in the passionate fight for LaLiga and I hate to remind you all but he will never be in another Clasico (personally what hurts the most for me). Not having Ronaldo’s egocentric and narcissistic presence in Spain takes away so much from the game, as his immense competitiveness and athleticism made the fight for titles like LaLiga and the Champions League ever more meaningful. I guess what I am trying to say is that I will miss him.

Let’s go back in time a bit. On July 1, 2009, history was made in the Spanish capital after an eager 24-year-old named Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro signed with Real Madrid. His success in England resulted in a huge move to the Spanish giants, where he grew to be one of the best players in the world. And with his arrival to Los Blancos, the undying rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona reached a completely new height.

Before Ronaldo was a Madridista and Messi was Messi, the Clasicos between these two teams were rooted specifically in culture, politics, identity and language. However, these two extraordinary footballers brought a new meaning to this rivalry. Millions of people would tune in just to watch Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo battle it out in the biggest match of the season, as the Clasicos turned into more than just a game. Those 90 intense minutes fueled the ongoing debate between Messi and Ronaldo. Even non-football fans would tune in to just watch these two greats take each other on. A true rivalry that will be forever remembered.

From the moment the Portuguese stepped up on the stage and shouted “Hala Madrid” in 2009 in front of a crowd of hopeful Madridistas, he marked history with the club. He went on to win numerous titles both collectively and individually with stunning goals which will have people talking about for many years to come.

It may seem like I am praising the player all Barcelona fans truly despise but the truth is that Ronaldo’s departure will leave a HUGE gap not only in Madrid but in Spain as a whole. The man that Barcelona love to hate is now on his way to Juventus and to be honest it has negatively affected the culés. I am personally one of his biggest haters and I admit that I have booed him multiple times during my Clasico experiences, but one has to acknowledge the importance and excitement he brought to Spain and to the competition. This excitement led to fans paying thousands of euros and travelling hundreds of miles to just get a glimpse of this passionate rivalry. An absolute shame it has now come to an end.

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However, I am sure Madrid will acquire a new talent which will yet again make the game more exciting but like I said there will never be another Messi-Ronaldo rivalry and never a time like these past nine years of competition and football.

As a Barcelona fan since 2010, I cannot even try to relate with Madrid supporters at this moment. Having to say goodbye to their superstar player, to the man that has brought an endless amount of joy and the footballer that has helped Madrid conquer Europe three consecutive times is something I do not wish on anyone. I don’t even want to try to imagine how I would feel if Messi were to get up and say farewell to the Camp Nou. And for that single reason, I feel sadness for the Madridistas during this hard time. A true heartbreak for millions across the globe.

It has been nine years filled with passion, intense rivalry, excitement and most importantly excellent football.

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Gracias, Cristiano.