World-Famous Ronaldo's Grandparents Reside in Perth
Wednesday March 4, 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo's grandparents might not be able to follow their grandson around the world, but they can still watch football superstar Christiano Ronaldo on TV from their Perth home.
Retired Maria-Angela Spinola, 80 and Jose Vivieros, 79, are the Portuguese grandparents to the famous Manchester United footballer who emigrated to Perth, Western Australia 10 years ago.
"People don't believe me that Cristiano is my nephew," Mr Vivieros told The Sunday Times. "I have to bring them back signed mementos so they take me seriously."
Ronaldo confirmed that he had relatives in Perth at a soccer boot launch in London when he was interviewed by The Sunday Times soccer reporter David Davutovic last week.
The Sunday Times approached Perth residents Ms Spinola and Mr Vivieros last Friday where Ms Spinola commented that Ronaldo had treated them to see the football in Europe two years ago.
Mr Vivieros said from Perth that it is hard to keep in contact with Ronaldo';s busy schedule.
"We talk on the phone, but not very often," he said. "He's famous and rich and doesn't have much time.'' Mr Vivieros said he remembers his nephew as a three-year-old in Portugal. "He has always loved soccer, but he hates losing," he said in Perth.
The Portuguese-born winger and striker was signed by manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2003 for a $27.42million sum.
