CRISTIANO RONALDO has sparked controversy after pictures circulated of the 35-year-old Juventus star training at a football stadium in Madeira.
The Portugual captain has been back on his home island for a month now, with Juve having given some of their stars permission to leave Italy as they self-isolate in the global battle against coronavirus.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus in sport live blog for the latest news & updates
Ronaldo was spotted shooting at a goalkeeper in the private session
Others were clearly present alongside the 35-year-old
The session took place at CD Nacional’s Madeira Stadium
Ronaldo is back in his native Madeira during the coronavirus pandemic
Ronaldo has regularly kept his followers updated with his fitness schedule, posting abs crunches and hill runs alongside girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez to Instagram.
But he has gone one step further this time, being photographed with the ball back at his feet at Madeira Stadium, home of second tier CD Nacional.
The former Manchester United star can be seen shooting at a goalkeeper, with a number of other figures in the vicinity.
The images have lead to the superstar being warned that he has “no privileges” as the world fights this pandemic.
Cristiano Ronaldo has the right to train as long as he respects the rules like all citizens: there is no privilege.
Local Health Chief Pedro Ramos
Local head of health Pedro Ramos said: “Ronaldo has no special permission to train.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has the right to train as long as he respects the rules like all citizens: there is no privilege.”
He then went on to stress the importance of following the guidelines.
Ramos continued: “All citizens can leave the house and do so, as long as they do not cause gatherings and maintain a safe distance during the exercise. Therefore, Ronaldo did what we have seen.
“There was no special authorisation because we are all the same, we are all facing the same pandemic.
“The best player in the world must use his image to set an example, but Cristiano seems to me to have done just a few minutes of exercise and, therefore, there is no harm in the world.
“I would not like it to be said that it is trivialisation, because we are all responsible.
“All Madeirans are complying with the rules of the regional government. And those who do not know that the forces of authority can exercise their power.”
Ronaldo’s decision to train outdoors has gathered some backlash online.
One fan questioned: “Must he go out for training?”
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Ronaldo previously caused controversy by taking a walk with his girlfriend and two of his kidsCredit: AFP or licensors
While another weighed in: “I don’t think he shud take the risk….but if it’s just one day…it’s ok…coz Corona isn’t taking anyone lightly and neither shud we take it lightly even if we haven’t contracted it”.
It’s not the first time that he has caused controversy of late – having angered some people by taking his wife and kids out for a walk last week.
He has recently moved to a £3,500-a-week fishing village pad alongside Rodriguez and his children as he self-isolates in style.
Football has now been suspended for the last monthCredit: EPA
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez in brutal hill sprints as pair train together while in coronavirus lockdown
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
