Last week, Cristiano Ronaldo made a stop in Ljubljana, Slovenia, as part of Portugal’s preparations for the upcoming Euros. The Slovenian hotel where he stayed, the Grand Plaza Hotel, has decided to turn this visit into an opportunity for charity. Ronaldo, along with the rest of the Portugal squad, stayed at this hotel during their visit to the Slovenian capital for a friendly match against Slovenia on March 26.
In a rather special and unique move, the hotel has announced that the bed Ronaldo slept on during his stay will be put up for auction. A spokesperson for the hotel stated that since Ronaldo’s visit was an exceptional event, they wanted to create a special surprise for fans to participate in. The auction presents an opportunity for fans to own a piece of football history and contribute to a charitable cause.
Auction Details
The auction will commence with a starting bid of €5,000 (£4,300), with the hotel collaborating with media company POP TV to ensure the highest possible value for the bed. This initiative not only adds a unique touch to the hotel’s offerings but also demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community. The spokesperson emphasized the significance of the occasion and expressed uncertainty regarding the next chance to host Ronaldo in Slovenia.
On-Field Setback
While Ronaldo’s visit to Ljubljana may have been memorable, the same cannot be said for his performance on the pitch. Portugal suffered their first defeat under manager Roberto Martinez, losing 2-0 to Slovenia. The goals from Adam Cerin and Timi Elsnik secured a surprising victory for the hosts, overshadowing Ronaldo’s presence.
Roberto Martinez’s Reign
Martinez, who took charge of the Portuguese national team after the 2022 World Cup, had enjoyed a successful run with 11 consecutive victories before this setback. However, the defeat against Slovenia highlighted the challenges that lie ahead for Portugal as they aim for success in the Euros.
Ronaldo’s Reaction
Ronaldo’s frustration was evident as he stormed off the pitch at the final whistle, seemingly unhappy with the decisions made during the game. Despite this disappointment, Portugal remains one of the favorites heading into the Euros, drawing on their triumph from eight years ago when they clinched the title by defeating hosts France in the final.
Implications for England
Slovenia’s impressive performance against Portugal serves as a warning for other teams, including England, who are set to face Slovenia in their final group stage match. The result underscores the unpredictability of football and the need for teams to remain vigilant throughout the tournament.
Overall, while Ronaldo’s visit to Ljubljana may have ended on a disappointing note on the field, the charitable auction of his bed adds a positive twist to the story, emphasizing the power of football to bring people together for a worthy cause.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn