Cristiano Ronaldo honoured in new Sporting CP third kit
- Sporting have paid tribute to Ronaldo in their new kit
- Portuguese icon came through the Sporting academy before joining Manchester United
- New third kit pays tribute to his time at Sporting
By Tom Gott
Sporting CP have paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo with the release of their new third kit.
Ronaldo came through the Sporting academy and made 31 appearances in all competitions for the senior side before earning himself a blockbuster move to Manchester United in 2003.
It was at Old Trafford that Ronaldo blossomed into one of the world's top players - setting the stage for an illustrious career which has taken him to Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr.
Now, 20 years after Ronaldo's last game for Sporting, the Portuguese giants have unveiled a new third kit which pays tribute to the 38-year-old.
With a black and gold design that replicates the Sporting kits from Ronaldo's time at the club, this new shirt also features the famous CR7 logo.
"Travel back in time with us," a post read. "6th of August 2003 to the 6th of August 2023. 20 years of Estadio Jose Alvalade and five Ballon d'Ors later, the best in the world are united in one piece.
"20 stories to tell. Sporting, Cristiano and Nike together in our new shirt."
Ronaldo spent just one season in the Sporting first team, racking up five goals and six assists in 31 appearances across the 2002/03 season before taking his talents to United at the end of the campaign.
A fee of just over £12m was paid by United who, after 145 goals in 346 games, sold Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a then-record £80m.
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