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Sometimes risking it all pays off in a big way.
Addison Whelan, 11, received the gift of a lifetime from soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday night after she ran onto the field following Portugal’s game against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. The bespectacled youngster was caught oncamerarunning up to the 36-year-old striker, considered one of the best players of all time, to give him a hug.
In pictures following the incident, the young girl was all smiles while holding the jersey, which will surely be a prized possession for years to come.
According toThe Irish Times, Whelan plays soccer and told the outlet she was able to evade security because of all the sprints training her coach makes her do.
“I was literally delighted. I couldn’t believe it because I didn’t think I’d make it,” she said.
Whelan said a security officer told her she was facing a large fine for breaking the rules to run onto the field, but the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) opted to waive it.
FAI media and football relations director Cathal Dervan told the outlet, “We want to assure Addison that of course she will not face any fine for running onto the pitch and asking for Ronaldo’s jersey.”
Whelan told the outlet that she plans to frame the jersey and enjoyed the interaction with Ronaldo.
“It was just a second but I gave him a hug and told him I was a huge fan and he said he appreciated that and he gave me his jersey,” she recounted.
The World Cup Qualifying match between the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw.
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Despite the disruptions, things have been going well for Ronaldo.
In August, heannouncedhe was returning to his old team, Manchester United, after spending time with Juventus. Ronaldo previously played with the club for six years from 2003 to 2009, winning three league titles and one Champions League.
The father of four then played for nine years for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018. At the time, Ronaldo joined for a world-record fee.
Then, last month, Ronaldoannouncedhe is expecting twins with his girlfriend,Georgina Rodríguez.
“Delighted to announce we are expecting twins👶🏻👶🏻. Our hearts are full of love - we can’t wait to meet you ❤️🏠 #blessed,” Ronaldo said in a post toInstagram, which Rodríguez also shared to her page.
He also has four other children, 4-year-old twins,Eva Maria and Mateo, 3½-year-old daughterAlana Martina, and 11-year-old sonCristiano Jr.
source: people.com
