Futsal player Ivan Chishkala, representing the Russian national team and Benfica, told how forward Cristiano Ronaldo is perceived in Portugal.
I wouldn't say that Ronaldo is a cult figure in Portugal, you don't really notice that. Because the rivalry between fans is more prominent there, like Sporting vs Benfica. Everyone loves and respects Ronaldo there, but he's not always in the spotlight like people think.
Ivan Chishkala exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
Chishkala has been playing for Benfica since 2020 after transferring from Gazprom-Ugra. The player has won the UEFA Futsal Cup, been a double Russian champion, a four-time winner of the country's cup, as well as a vice-champion in Portugal and winner of the Portuguese Cup.
With the Russian national team, Chishkala has been the vice-world champion and the Grand Prix silver medalist. He has scored 24 goals in 42 matches for the national team.