A startlingly life-like waxwork figure of footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo has been revealed in New York - and was greeted by the man himself.
Just days ahead of the World Cup, the Portugal frontman's likeness was revealed to huge crowds in Times Square. It comes amid the player's controversy with Manchester United, after his fierce criticism of management in a TalkTV interview.
But yesterday, Ronaldo appeared to be all smiles as video footage showed him meeting his wax doppelganger and giving a 'personal message' to his fans to celebrate the waxwork reveal with Madame Tussauds and Visit Portugal.
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He was said to be 'blown away' by the waxwork, especially the realism of his hair and eyes. “This is wax? Are you kidding?," he said. “The face is unbelievable. Imagine two Ronaldos!”
The player will captain the Portugal national team at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. However, his place in club football is currently uncertain, with Manchester United exploring their legal options as they look to end Ronaldo's time at the club.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most accomplished football icons of our time, or as New Yorkers say, ‘soccer,’ and we’re so excited to be teaming up with Visit Portugal to do this special Time Square reveal of his wax figure ahead of the 2022 World Cup,” said Madame Tussauds New York Head of Marketing Tiago Mogadouro.
“We’re cheering Ronaldo on as he captains the Portugal national team and is welcomed into the sports experience here in our New York attraction.”
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