Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo received a remarkable tribute in New York City’s Times Square, where a 12-foot bronze statue was unveiled in celebration of his 40th birthday.
The sculpture, designed by renowned artist Sergio Furnari, was revealed to a crowd of fans waving Portuguese flags and chanting Ronaldo’s signature "Siu" celebration.
The statue, adorned in green, red, and gold, symbolises Ronaldo’s immense impact on football and his lasting global legacy.
Speaking about the tribute, Furnari said, “Cristiano Ronaldo represents perseverance, excellence, and the unbreakable spirit of a champion. This statue is a tribute to everything he has achieved in his extraordinary career.”
Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, remains one of the most recognisable figures in world football.
The unveiling of his statue in one of the most famous locations in the world underscores his influence beyond the sport, solidifying his status as a global cultural icon.
Fans in attendance expressed their admiration, with one stating, “Ronaldo is more than a footballer—he is an inspiration to millions around the world. Seeing him honored in Times Square is truly special.”
As he continues his career, Ronaldo’s legacy remains firmly intact, with his achievements celebrated on and off the pitch.
La Liga has officially lodged a complaint with the European Commission, accusing Manchester City of violating EU competition laws by receiving undisclosed financial support from the United Arab Emirates.
The complaint, submitted by La Liga President Javier Tebas, alleges that these funds were used to artificially boost Manchester City’s revenues and circumvent UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Tebas stated, "This is a clear case of financial doping that distorts the competitive balance across Europe," emphasizing the need for regulatory intervention.
He further argued that Manchester City’s actions have "created an uneven playing field," disadvantaging clubs that comply with financial regulations.
In response, Manchester City has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that their financial practices are fully compliant with all regulations.
A club spokesperson stated, "Manchester City operates within the rules and remains confident that an impartial review will confirm this."
The club's financial dealings have already been under scrutiny due to over 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, including accusations of overstating sponsorship revenues.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola refused to comment directly on the allegations during a recent press conference, responding with a curt "Next question" when asked about the issue.
If found guilty, the club could face severe penalties, including fines, points deductions, or even exclusion from European competitions.
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