Toronto´s ´Little Portugal´ hit by Ronaldo fever

Canadian football fans, Portuguese expats and a battalion of screaming, star-struck girls swooned at the sight of Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive footballer, here on Friday.

Ronaldo’s Real Madrid, one of the most famous clubs in the world, were in town to play a friendly against Toronto FC who were formed just three years ago.

“Never before has the Portuguese community in Toronto been able to savour the pleasure of having the best team in the world and Cristiano Ronaldo, the best player in the world, who is Portuguese,” said Alex Franco, editor of Portuguese-Canadian newspaper, The New Millennium.

Ronaldo, 24, was the target for a host of autograph hunters, as well as young girls eager to be captured on a photograph with the high-profile star.

“I saw a lot of young ladies photographing Ronaldo last night at the practice, and they weren’t there for soccer”, noted Dick Howard, veteran Toronto soccer broadcaster and analyst.

Tickets for the one hour practice, Howard added, were snapped up at 15 dollars and “there were lots of Portuguese jerseys there”.

Those who couldn’t make Friday’s game (Howard said that tickets were exchanging hands for thousands of dollars) were expected to be at the many bars and restaurants in the Portuguese neighborhoods in downtown Toronto.

“Soccer brings out our national pride – it really brings the community together,” said local fan Ricardo Viveiros. “We are very proud that Ronaldo is the best.”

And the Toronto team?

“It’s a David and Goliath situation”, warned Howard.

Other fans, however, were more optimistic.

“Don’t forget that Real are just starting their season, while Toronto FC are in mid-season,” explained Franco.

“Real are going to rotate a lot – we might see Ronaldo play for only a half hour. Toronto could lose by one goal or even draw the game.”