Madeira to honour footballer Ronaldo

The Atlantic island of Madeira, the birthplace of Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, is planning to erect a monument to the Real Madrid soccer star, which will be unveiled on December 21.

A local newspaper that is promoting the initiative, told Efe Ronaldo would be attending the opening event.

The daily published a special eight-page supplement on the player, highlighting that the aim of the monument is to maintain Ronaldo's name forever, to be remembered by future generations.

Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal - the capital of Portugal's Madeira archipelago - in February 1985, has a museum in the city run by his family and exhibiting the trophies won during his career.

Also on December 21, Ronaldo, who is also the captain of Portugal's national team, will receive the highest medal from the local government in a ceremony at Madeira's regional parliament.

The Jornal da Madeira's executive manager, Nuno Bazenga, underlined Ronaldo's role in promoting the region worldwide and his love for his homeland.

The Real Madrid striker is the only Portuguese candidate to FIFA's 2014 Ballon d'Or award, which he has previously won twice, in 2008 and 2013.

Ronaldo last week was awarded the Spanish La Liga's prizes for best player, best forward and best goal of the season.