The forward, recently winner of FIFA 2013 Ballon D’Or, was awarded in Belem’s presidential palace, in a ceremony broadcasted by several television channels.
Cavaco Silva highlighted: “Ronaldo’s extraordinary talent has contributed to enhance Portugal’s visibility in the world”.
The title ‘Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry’ was created in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator disappearance, one of the prime drivers of Portugal’s colonial expansion.
Ronaldo attended the ceremony scorted by his family and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
“Representing Portugal worldwide represents a great pride. This distinction is a complementary motivation to keep on working and representing Portugal to the highest level “, declared the forward, who will turn 29 next month.
“Mi goal is to win individual and collective trophies. I want to be part of the history of football”, added the star.
Prensa Latina