Cristiano Ronaldo to Play in Charity Match for Hometown of Madeira
Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a trademark free-kick to put his team ahead in Sunday evening's La Liga match against Villareal.
Ronaldo then lifted up his Real Madrid jersey to reveal a t-shirt on which was simply written 'MADEIRA,' to commemorate the recent loss of life in Madeira. Cristiano Ronaldo who is the world's most expensive footballer was born in the poor district of Funchal, the capital city of Madeira.
The Portuguese island of Madeira was hit by flash floods on Saturday following torrential rains. The disaster which left 42 people dead and 32 missing saw raging waters sweeping through the capital Funchal,as cars were buried, buildings damaged and people swept along.
"It's where I grew up and where my family live," Ronaldo told the Real Madrid website. "I couldn't believe what I saw on the television. I want to help in any way I can."
Porto, the current Portuguese champions and the two clubs from Madeira, C.S. Marítimo and Nacional are now trying to raise money for the victims by organizing a charity match.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is by far Madeira's most famous native has said he will be playing in the match, "Its one of the saddest moments for our region. I want to share my solidarity for the victims families. Now we have to be positive and help in what is necessary. It's true that it is a very sad day for all of us and I want to leave my message for all people in Madeira. We are all together."
The date for the match has not yet been set.
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