Portugal: Lokomotiv Moscow and Portugal midfielder Joao Mario on Friday heaped praise on his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo who has led the fundraising efforts within their home country in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
"It is something that was organised by Cristiano (Ronaldo). We donate part of our bonuses to European (leagues) and non-professional leagues as well. It is something different that I told before. This is just all part of a donation that I am part of, because I'm on the national team (Portugal). And also everyone agrees that we can help these other situations. And it was beginning with Cristiano,” said Mario.
Talking about CR7’s impact, he said, "Of course, he is the (Portugal) captain and every initiative starts with him. He is always trying to give the example, not just with us, but also by himself. We can see how much he is doing now with this situation for Portugal. So, for us as team-mates, it is great to see what he is trying to do."
Joao Mario is currently on-loan at Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow from parent Italian club Inter Milan, and the 27-year-old faces an uncertain future.
His time in Moscow was expected to end on 30th June but, with almost all leagues across Europe suspended, the current 2019-2020 campaign could drag into August - and that leaves Joao Mario's position unclear.
The pandemic has also led to the postponement by one year of the European Championship - as Euro 2016 winners,
Portugal will enter the re-arranged tournament as defending champions - and Joao Mario said a return to football at that time would mark "a victory for all of the world."
