Audio By Carbonatix
Ghanaian forward, Emmanuel Gyasi has described receiving Ronaldo's jersey as 'a dream come true'.
The Spezia forward who played in both legs of his side’s league encounter with Juventus in Serie A indicated that Ronaldo has always been his role model.
“For me, he is an idol and this too is a dream that came true. He is my idol and I dreamt of playing on the same field with him one day. I never thought of it happening so soon,” he told Joy Sport's Gary Al-Smith
It is a normal occurrence for players to swap jerseys after games, but perhaps Gyasi had his heart broken after the first encounter with the Italian giants.
“I remember in the first game, I went to him and spoke with him, but unfortunately he couldn’t give me the jersey.”
However, Gyasi’s fortune smiled on him during the reverse fixture between the sides at the Allianz Stadium. The 27-year-old was approached by the five-time Ballon d’or winner, much to his bewilderment.
“In the second game before we started the game, he just came to me and asked Gyasi, how are you? I was shocked, he remembered me! I was shocked because how can a whole Cristiano Ronaldo remember me because it has been a long time. Home and away games have a long time gap between them, so maybe he could forget that he promised a jersey.”
He might be nearing his thirties and is a man of his own, but the striker was beyond excitement when the five-time Champions League pulled him in an embrace.
“When he came and he hugged me, and asked how I was doing, I was very happy. Very very happy.”
There was more shock for the striker who found out that Ronaldo was waiting for him in the dressing room, despite a frustrating first-half.
“During the game he was nervous because in the first half we [Spezia] played very well and it was 0-0. He had hit the cross bar and I saw him run into the tunnel after the first half so I thought I was not going to get the jersey but I saw him waiting for me in my dressing room and I was shocked.”
Gyasi was full of praise for a player who he described as a ‘great player’.
“After the game, we met in the dressing room and had a chat. He’s a very great player and a great person.”
The striker received his first Black Stars call up in Ghana’s build-up to their AFCON qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.
Latest Stories
-
Specialised high court division to be staffed with trained Judges from court of appeal — Judicial Secretary
4 minutes -
Special courts will deliver faster, fairer justice — Judicial Secretary
22 minutes -
A decade of dance and a bold 10K dream as Vivies Academy marks 10 years
44 minutes -
GCB’s Linus Kumi: Partnership with Ghana Sports Fund focused on building enduring systems
1 hour -
Sports is preventive healthcare and a wealth engine for Ghana – Dr David Kofi Wuaku
1 hour -
Ghana Sports Fund Deputy Administrator applauds GCB’s practical training for staff
2 hours -
Ghana Sports Fund strengthens institutional framework with GCB Bank strategic partnership
2 hours -
UBIDS to Complete Abandoned Projects Following GETFund Financial Clearance – Vice Chancellor
2 hours -
Nii Moi Thompson questions Anokye Frimpong’s ‘distorted history’ narratives
3 hours -
Anthony O’Neal set to receive Ghanaian citizenship, prepares to launch ‘Class on the Bus’ Initiative
3 hours -
South Tongu MP inspects GH₵500,000 surgical equipment, supports District Court with logistics
4 hours -
Kpasec 2003 Year Group hosts garden party to rekindle bonds and inspire legacy giving
5 hours -
Financing barriers slowing microgrid expansion in Ghana -Energy Minister
5 hours -
Ghana’s Ambassador to Italy Mona Quartey presents Letters of Credence to Pres. Mattarella
6 hours -
KOSA 2003 Year Group unveils GH¢10m classroom project at fundraising event
6 hours
