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A refurbished football pitch commissioned by Nike to honour legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo has opened to the public in the star's hometown in Santo Antonio, as seen on Wednesday.

A local resident could be seen kicking a ball around the court, which came complete with a painted goal. The inspirational phrase 'Greatness starts with a goal' woven into its netting.

Local resident Maria Ferreira recounted how San Antonio native Ronaldo used to play 'barefoot' around the streets, aged 'no more than six.'

"This pitch, after being rebuilt and renovated, has become a big benefit for the youth living here at Quinta do Falcao, many of whom still come here," said Filipe Gomes, Technical coordinator of the Quinta do Falcao Community Centre where the renovated pitch is located, and where Ronaldo spent much of his time during childhood.

In addition to the football court's refurbishment, Nike have announced a commemorative CR110 boot to be given to 110 rising football stars.

SOUNDBITES:

SOT, Local resident (Portuguese): "When we first saw [Ronaldo] at a young age we never thought he would arrive at this current stage. But he’s been blessed and even at his age he is still progressing, as he showed in his last game, which was crazy, and I haven’t been watching football for a long time but lately I've seen him play."

SOT, Local resident (Portuguese): "Listen, I think it’s good, this way the children can play, I find it really good. Because poor boy Cristiano would play in the street by the trees, and here it is much safer to play football."

SOT, Maria Ferreira, Local resident (Portuguese): "When I came to live here, Cristiano Ronaldo was a small boy, he was no more than 6 years old."

SOT, Maria Ferreira, Local resident (Portuguese): "He would play football, barefoot, around the streets of Santo Antonio."

SOT, Filipe Gomes, Technical coordinator of Quinta do Falcao Community Centre (Portuguese): "This pitch, after being rebuilt and renovated, has become a big benefit for the youth living here at Quinta do Falcao, many of whom still come here, and now with another reason, to follow in his footsteps."

SOT, Filipe Gomes, Technical coordinator of Quinta do Falcao Community Centre (Portuguese): "Not only from sports but also from other areas, many people use Ronaldo’s example when referring to success coming from the lower tiers in society."

SOT, Filipe Gomes, Technical coordinator of Quinta do Falcao Community Centre (Portuguese): "If Ronaldo wouldn’t have reached his level of success with his determination, this Nike prized renovation of this football playground wouldn't have been made real so that every child in this neighbourhood can enjoy it."

#CristianoRonaldo #CR7 #Portugal

Video ID: 20210918-012

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