Sporting CP unveil jersey dedicated to Ronaldo. Two decades ago. Portugal’s club Sporting CP appeared in world football with a wonder boy. Impressed by his talent, the European giant Manchester United decided to take this wonder boy to their camp without delay. He is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest stars of the 20th century.
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Sporting CP specially remembered one of the best players of their club, Ronaldo, on the 20th anniversary of their home ground, Estadio Jose Alvalade, on Sunday (August 6). The Portuguese club unveiled their next season’s jersey in the name of CRSeven.
There is also reason to remember Ronaldo on the stadium’s two-decade anniversary. On this day in 2003, Sporting CP faced Manchester United on Jose Alvalade’s opening day. The legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed with the skill that 18-year-old Ronaldo showed on the field against the English giants that day.
Ferguson decided to take him to his camp without delay. He implemented the decision on August 12 within 6 days. Ronaldo officially joined Manchester United. The subsequent history is known to every football lover.
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All those memories are cherished by the Sporting CP. Unveiling the team’s third jersey in Ronaldo’s name, they wrote on their website, ‘Let’s go back to 2003.’ The day was August 6. Imagine, the opening day of the Estadio José Alvalade. The referee blows the whistle to start the match against Manchester United. We’ve gone back in time. Reliving the best moment of the day. That was sporting’s best moment. We now invite you to go into the future. 20 years later, when you have 5 Ballon d’Ors. It is August 6, 2023. It’s the 20th anniversary of our home turf and we’ve prepared a very special gift for you. Introducing our new Lion Skin, inspired by the 2003 jersey, as we celebrate 20 years of Jose Alvalade. A special jersey, designed by Ronaldo, Sporting CP and Nike.
Despite five years in Sporting’s academy, Ronaldo did not play many matches in the senior team. After his debut on September 29, 2002, he scored 5 goals and 6 assists in 31 matches for the club until August 2003.