Sporting CP paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo during a match on Saturday, observing a seventh-minute applause in recognition of the club's former academy graduate following his retirement from international duty with Portugal.
The gesture referenced Ronaldo's iconic number 7 shirt and came after the 41-year-old forward announced his departure from the Portugal national team earlier this week. Ronaldo began his professional career at Sporting before moving to Manchester United in 2003.
Fans at Estádio José Alvalade rose to applaud during the seventh minute of the fixture, acknowledging Ronaldo's roots at the Lisbon club where he developed as a youth player before becoming one of football's most decorated athletes.
