Not intentionally, of course, but the Portuguese superstar hit the headlines on Wednesday morning after it emerged that his wayward free kick during Real Madrid’s friendly against Bournemouth at the weekend left one fan nursing a broken wrist.
11-year-old Charlie Silverwood was at Dean Court for the Cherries’ pre-season friendly against the Spanish giants, and was delighted to have scored seats right behind the goal.
Six minutes in, however, Ronaldo’s free kick – struck at full power from 35 yards – dipped over the goal and smashed young Charlie on his left arm.
The shot left his wrist broken in two places, but the brave Bournemouth fan refused to leave the ground to get medical help – and no wonder, considering the outrageous ticket prices.
“I could see the ball coming towards me. It curled past the post and was going to hit my face — so I had to block it with my hand,” Charlie told The Sun.
According to the BBC, the young football fan later received a shirt signed by Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team-mates.
