Irakoze Jovanis

DEAR CRISTIANO RONALDO, I honestly don’t know where to begin. My hands are shaking and my heart is heavy writing this. I hated you when you played for Manchester United, not because you weren’t good, but because you were too good against my team. When you moved to Madrid, I realised I never hated you; I just hated seeing you play for my rival. Growing up as a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a footballer and you were my inspiration. We had a box television and I would sit and watch your games. I loved your football, your confidence and goodness, that smile! Your pictures were everywhere, from my bedroom walls to my notebooks. You were more than a footballer to me. You represented hard work, resilience and the courage to stand against the world and still win. There was a time I almost dropped out of school, but watching your journey kept me going. I am here today, and a part of my story has you in it. When Portugal crashed out of the 2022 World Cup, I broke down. I cried so much that I collapsed and was admitted to the hospital. I kept wondering how you were coping. I wish I could have hugged you that night. Today, I am a mother and I have named my son after you. I hope he gets to watch you play before you finally hang up your boots. I want him to know that his name belongs to a man who inspired his mother long before he was born. You made millions of people fall in love with Portugal without ever visiting the country. You gave us memories, sleepless nights, arguments, celebrations and a lifetime of emotions. I don’t know how to accept that I may never watch you wear that Portugal shirt again. But I am grateful I lived in your generation. I know there is no marriage in heaven, but I sincerely hope there is football. I hope we get to watch you play again in Abraham’s bosom. Thank you for making my childhood beautiful. Thank you for being my childhood hero. Happy retirement from international football, IDOLO. You may never know me, but you will forever be part of my story. ❤️🇵🇹 SIIIIUUUU!