Golden Balls! Ronaldo statue’s groin over polished by tourists

 

The groin area on a statue of Cristiano Ronaldo has been polished until shines after being rubbed by tourists who ‘can’t keep their hands off’.

The bronze has been buffed on the shorts of the figure, which has proved a big draw in the Portuguese star’s home town of Funchal, Madeira.

The statue was unveiled in 2014 with fans remarking on the ‘figure-hugging’ clothes on the representation of the footballing great.

Since then, a steady stream of people have come to view the 800kg sculpture. But while one might expect the star’s famous feet to show signs of wear, it is another part of the anatomy that seems to be receiving all the attention.

Photos reveal how people seem to have been keen to rub the groin area on the 11ft statue, which was created by Madeiran artist Ricardo Veloza.

While one might expect the feet on the 800kg sculpture to show signs of wear, it is another part of the anatomy that seems to be receiving all the attention

Cruise holidaymaker John Rodgers was a fan of the player and posed for a picture holding his hand but then noticed the extreme wear on the shorts.

‘I just wanted a picture of him to send to my family. But as soon as I put on the family WhatsApp group everyone started laughing. They couldn’t help notice the well-rubbed area between his legs.

‘Whilst waiting to get back on the boat I then realised a stream of tourists who were keen to touch that area.

‘It seemed to make them all smile. Particularly a young blonde lady, she couldn’t keep her hands off.

The statue was unveiled in 2014 with fans pointing out the ‘figure hugging’ clothes on the representation of the footballing great.

‘It’s just a bit of fun I suppose. But I thought handling in the penalty area was against the rules.

‘Then it occurred to me, he won several Golden Balls as best player on the planet and a few Silver ones for coming second behind Messi.’

Juventus forward Ronaldo, 33, has scored 85 goals in 154 appearances for Portugal and is considered one of the greatest players of all time with a record-equalling five Ballon d’Or awards.

The former Real Madrid goal machine has a running case following alleged case of rape brought by American Kathryn Mayorga, who claimed that the Portugal international, raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.  In a recent submission, Ronald admitted that the said lady objected to the act adding however “she said no, but made herself available”