Internet Desk: A jersey of Portugal’s famous football player Cristiano Ronaldo was gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa on Saturday after bilateral talks between them.
The red jersey bearing Ronaldo’s trademark ‘No.7’ was handed over to Modi by Costa, who is on a seven-day visit to India. The jersey was personally signed by Ronaldo.
In his media statement, Modi said Portugal’s strength in football and the rapid development of the sport in India could form the nucleus of an emerging partnership in sporting disciplines.
In their talks, the two leaders welcomed the ongoing efforts to institutionalise collaboration between football clubs and associations in both countries to better harness sports talent and collaborate in training and exchange of school students and coaches.
Ronaldo, a professional footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Portugal national team, is a forward and serves as the captain for Portugal. He has won four Ballon d’Ors – an annual association football award presented to the world’s best men’s player.
Portugal has supported India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and in this regard PM Modi thanked Portuguese PM saying, “We are grateful to Portugal for their continued support for India’s membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group.” Portuguese PM accepted the invitation to be the Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, an event held every year to celebrate and mark the contribution of Indian citizens dwelling on foreign surface.
With inputs from PTI.