Cristiano Ronaldo has joined figures across the world in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Portuguese legend took to Instagram to offer an emotional message, after the news of her tragic passing was announced prior to Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
A moment’s silence was observed prior to kick off at Old Trafford in memory of the Queen, as Ronaldo started the first Europa League game in 20.
Ronaldo wrote: ‘Seven years of my career were played in the Premier League, making this my 8th season living in England.
‘Throughout these years, I’ve felt the everlasting love of the UK for it’s Queen, and how important Her Majesty was and will forever be to the British people.
‘I pay my respect to her memory and I mourn this irreplaceable loss with the country that I’ve learned to call home. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family.’
The now-37-year-old first arrived in the UK in 2003 when he joined United for the first time, and spent six years in the country before departing for Real Madrid.
He later returned and is now into the second of his two-year deal at Old Trafford, and as such has spent almost eight years of his professional career in England.
