Croatian footballer Anna Maria Markovic paid a public tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portuguese star’s announcement that he is retiring from international football, Saraya News reported. Markovic shared a video of herself with Ronaldo on her official Instagram account, accompanying it with a poignant message.

A Personal Message on Social Media

Markovic, a professional footballer, posted the video on Instagram using the platform’s “Story” feature. The clip showed a moment she shared with Ronaldo, and she paired it with the message: “Watching Portugal without you will feel strange.” This statement highlighted the significant role Ronaldo has held in Portuguese football and his profound impact on fans worldwide.

This public display of respect came shortly after Ronaldo officially confirmed his decision to step away from the national team, marking the end of an era for one of football’s most decorated international careers.

A Known Admiration

The gesture from the Croatian player is not an isolated incident. It stems from a well-known and long-standing admiration she has for Ronaldo. Markovic has previously spoken of Ronaldo as a role model, praising his professionalism and strict discipline. In past interviews and social media posts, she has highlighted his work ethic as something she aspires to emulate in her own career.

A Shared Moment

Earlier in 2024, Markovic posted another video that garnered significant attention from her followers. The clip showed her meeting Ronaldo, where she playfully mimicked his iconic “Siuuu” celebration.

By re-sharing the video on her Instagram Story on Friday, Markovic ensured her tribute to the Portuguese legend reached her audience, linking her personal connection to the global news of his international retirement.