Wales boss Craig Bellamy has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as "beyond a superstar" as his side prepares to face the Portugal legend in their opening Nations League A campaign match. The encounter is set for Thursday night in Portugal.
Bellamy recounted a pre-season trip to Lisbon when he was an assistant at Burnley, during which the city's airport was effectively put into lockdown. He described seeing rows of police and police cars, with everything locked off, before Ronaldo arrived, walking on his own amidst the security.
The Wales manager, who last shared a pitch with Ronaldo in October 2008, will now manage his country against the 233-cap international. Despite Ronaldo confirming the 2026 World Cup would be his last, he has not yet revealed when he will end his career.
Bellamy noted Ronaldo's professionalism and cleverness in protecting himself, enabling him to continue playing at an elite level in his 24th year as a senior Portugal international. Wales will be without players including Harry Wilson, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Nathan Broadhead, Dylan Lawlor, Rubin Colwill and Isaak Davies for the match.