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Cristiano Ronaldo showed the ultimate respect to Francis Uzoho after an ‘amazing’ performance.
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The Man United star congratulates his opponent for a fine double stop to deny him a goal.
In a heartwarming moment on Thursday night, Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo sportingly hailed opponent Francis Uzoho.
Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes as the Red Devils defeated Omonia Nicosia, a Cypriot team, at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
The tenacious Nicosia defence was finally broken by Scott McTominay‘s 93rd-minute winner, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Uzoho had previously put in an outstanding performance, making 12 saves to stop the Premier League side.
And footage has emerged of the Portuguese forward laughing in disbelief after a fine double save from the 23-year-old.
As Ronaldo attempted to score his record-tying 701st club goal, Uzoho, a lifelong United supporter, stopped a shot from midfielder Fred before stopping Ronaldo’s close-range attempt.
The 37-year-old veteran then appears to say something cheeky to his opponent, who gets up smiling before jokingly pushing away Ronaldo and both carry on with wide smiles on their faces, showing good sportsmanship.
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This Omonia keeper is having the game of his life… and Ronaldo knows it! 😂
CR7 laughs with the man between the sticks after being denied goal no. 701!#UEL pic.twitter.com/mYVmXwcqwM
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 13, 2022
After the match, Uzoho himself – who asked United boss Erik ten Hag for a photo together – admitted it was ‘arguably’ the best game of his career.
He told BT Sport: ‘I am not disappointed because we had a good game. It would have been perfect to get at least a point but I’m happy. It is not an easy stadium to play in with these big players but I’m happy in general.
‘It’s a dream come true for me. I have dreamed to play here for a long time. When I saw the draw, I wanted to play at Old Trafford and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to play.’
Francis Uzoho 🇳🇬 making saves against Manchester United tonight 👏
Cristiano Ronaldo is impressed 👌 pic.twitter.com/9ChfQp6Do0
— GOAL Africa (@GOALAfrica) October 13, 2022
Former Red Devils midfielder and pundit Owen Hargreaves insisted that Uzoho’s performance had the power to alter both his life and his career.
He said: ‘That’s what it feels like when you have the game of your life. Even when they’ve lost he’s smiling. He was amazing. To think he’s their second keeper blows you away.
‘He’ll nick a move off the back of that performance, I guarantee you. This game will change his career, arguably his life. I think that’s what sport is all about, moments like that.’