Ex-Portugal star Manuel Fernandes dies, Cristiano Ronaldo shares message 

Cristiano Ronaldo reacted on social media following the death of former Portugal striker Manuel Fernandes. A Sporting CP legend, Fernandes passed away on June 27 at the age of 73. He is the second-highest scorer in Sporting CP's history and also played for Portugal's national team.

Fernandes underwent surgery for a tumor in May and has now passed away. He scored 257 goals for Sporting and the Portuguese club released a memorial video in his honor following his death.

Cristiano Ronaldo uploaded a story on his Instagram, paying homage to Manuel Fernandes. He wrote:

"Descansa em paz, Manuel Fernandes."

The writing in Portuguese translates to "Rest in peace, Manuel Fernandes."

Ronaldo happens to be one of the most successful graduates of Sporting's academy which explains his show of respect to an icon of his first professional club.

Manuel Fernandes won two Primeira Liga titles, two Taca de Portugal, the Portuguese Super Cup, and more during his career. He famously scored seven goals in a 7-1 win for Sporting against Benfica. The former striker also had a career as a coach and managed the team he played for.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal set to face Slovenia at Euro 2024 Round of 16

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal have reached the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 as the winners of Group F. They will play Slovenia in the Round of 16 stage of the tournament.

Portugal won two of their group games, 2-1 against Czechia and 3-0 against Turkey but lost 2-0 to Georgia in the final group game. Ronaldo started all three games.

The Portugal captain is yet to get on the scoresheet during Euro 2024. However, he played well in the first two matches and bagged an assist against Turkey as well, which made him the highest assist provider in the history of the European Championships (eight assists).