CR7 monkey in the middle in Sochi

Prior to the Iberian derby, Portugal had their last official practice session Thursday at 5:30pm local time at Fisht Stadium in Sochi, situated in the outskirts of the beautiful Black Sea with the Caucasus Mountains in the background.

The team entered the ground well before schedule and were sharing some light moments in the dugout. Everything was normal as usual but everyone’s attention was fixated on none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The superstar was walking along the venue showing off his muscular thighs, as he always does. He was then joined by three teammates for a pass-the-ball session.

🇵🇹 World Cup star Cristiano Ronaldo's got that #FridayFeeling 😀#UCL pic.twitter.com/vsNFklEyIL

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 15, 2018

Inevitably, every time he got the ball, the captain of the Euro 2016 winner exhibited different skills before passing to the next man. Seeing his gesture and attitude, you will unquestionably understand what sets him apart from his teammates. And why he is considered one of the best players of the world.

After all the Portuguese players entered the pitch, they got divided into two groups and started playing the crowd-favourite “Monkey in the middle” game. Ronaldo had Pepe, Bruno Alves, Jose Fonte and Joao Moutinho, among others, for the game. 

Pepe intercepted Ronaldo’s pass and the whole crowd, assembled journalists and staffs cheered loudly upon realising that they would get to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as the monkey in the middle.

🇵🇹 New record for Cristiano Ronaldo? 🔝@Cristiano can become only the 4th player in history to score in 4 World Cups 👌 pic.twitter.com/SZAbaWxumN

— UEFA Nations League (@UEFAEURO) June 15, 2018

Although this phase didn’t last long, the crowd enjoyed every bit of it. And whatever Ronaldo did caught the eyes of everyone.

Following 10-odd minutes, they went to the centre of the field for shooting and dead-ball sessions.

Seeing this living legend in flesh, you will realise how much dedicated this man is towards the game, and his everyday routine en route to becoming a great. 

Despite Spain boasting so many stars, Ronaldo will undoubtedly hog all the limelight when the two teams meet later Friday in Sochi.