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10th Jul 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo sorts Euro 2016 final tickets for a remarkable woman

Class act

Patrick McCarry

Fair play to the Portugal talisman.

While the Ice Bucket Challenge raised lots of money and awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), the fight against the neurodegenerative disease goes on away from the media spotlight.

Cristiano Ronaldo is doing his part to bring more attention to ALS, and to those seeking to help family members suffering from it.

The Portuguese striker will have his family at this evening’s Euro 2016 final, against hosts France, but he has secured another couple of tickets for Chantal Borgonovo.

The Italian was married to former Milan and Fiorentina striker Stefano Borgonovo. Capped three times for Italy, Stefano Borgonovo passed away in 2013 at the age of 49 after a prolonged struggle with ALS.

Stefano Borgonovo Book Launch

Since her husband’s passing, Chantal Borgonovo has strove to raise awareness of the disease and help families of those affected by it. She will be Ronaldo’s guest of honour and will be accompanied by his agent, Jorge Mendes, at Stade de France. She commented:

“I couldn’t believe my ears when Jorge Mendes called me the other day and told me that Ronaldo wants me to come to Paris.

“Cristiano and Jorge have always been very close to my family. I am happy and grateful that they continue to remember my husband and support us in our fight against ALS

“I am looking forward to the Euro final and to discussing the [Stefano Borgonovo] Foundation’s efforts with the football community present.”

Another example of Ronaldo being sound. The list of classy deeds lengthens.