Rafael Leao proud to wear Cristiano Ronaldo’s number 7 as Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 | OneFootball

Rafael Leao said he was immensely proud to take Cristiano Ronaldo’s number seven for Portugal, wearing it in the Nations League win over Denmark after Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the national team camp. According to Goal.com, the Galatasaray forward stepped into the role on Thursday.

Usually Portugal’s number 17, Leao was handed the iconic shirt for the UEFA Nations League clash and Portugal won 4-2. It marked a significant moment for a player who has long admired Ronaldo.

"Wearing the number seven was something special for me, because Cristiano has been my idol since I was a child," Leao said. "My children were also born on the 7th, so I am so happy."

Conscious of the expectations attached to the shirt, he added: "I did my best to respect this number, this shirt."

With Ronaldo having left the current international gathering, Leao will likely continue to wear that number for Portugal’s next match. Sitting at the top of the standings, Jorge Jesus’s side will aim to maintain their winning record when they face Norway on Sunday.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”