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Back in 2014, when he was just 12-years-old, a nervous Ryota Iwaoka was offered the opportunity to interview Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo in an intimate Q&A session.
"Good afternoon, my name is Ryota," he said. "My dream is to be a football player and have the pleasure of playing with you one day. What should I do to achieve that goal?"
As you can see in the clip above, Ryota asked the question in Portuguese; Ronaldo's native tongue. It was a decision that amused the hundreds in attendance that day.
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Ronaldo, meanwhile, appeared to take offence to the crowd's reaction. "Why are they laughing?" he responded, as a section of the audience started giggling. "Why? He speaks Portuguese well, very well."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner added: "They should be happy because he is trying so hard."
Since that moment, Ryota hasn't let that incident hold him back.
He may have been ridiculed by some fans that day but six years on, the Japanese player has gone on to make a promising career for himself in the world of football.
After defending the youngster on stage, Ronaldo told Iwaoka that becoming a pro requires "belief, effort, and never missing your chance."
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Cristiano's encouraging words clearly made an impact.
The Japanese youngster, now 19-years-old, recently led his team, Yamanashi Gakuin, to winning the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The tournament is believed to be the most prestigious under-18 championship in Japan.
Just days after lifting the trophy, he posted the following to his official Instagram account. "Cristiano's advice has always been on my mind." the attacking midfielder said.
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"I was able to win the championship. For the last few years, especially this last one, I have had a lot of pain [injuries].
"Still, there was a person who supported me and he has been here. I am very happy to have the best friends from all over the country. Thank you for your great support!"
This isn't the first time Ronaldo has made a dream come true. Back in 2019, he flew a seriously ill 10-year old and his family out to Turin to meet him.
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Joseph, from Bristol, was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just four years old and had to undergo regular treatment.
The youngster idolised Ronaldo, so with the help of the 'Rays of Sunshine' charity, Pitch International and Ronaldo himself, it was arranged for they oungster and his family to have the trip of a lifetime.
Joseph was greeted by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at Juventus' training ground, and was given an exclusive tour of the facilities by the man himself.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/ryo___ta29Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Japan
