In a rare act of dedication, a 24-year-old superfan named Gong cycled from China to Saudi Arabia to fulfill his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. The journey, which started on March 18, coated 13,000 kilometres and spanned seven months, lastly bringing him to the Al Nassr Soccer Membership in Riyadh on October 20, as reported by the South China Morning Put up.
Cristiano Ronaldo met superfan Gong, who cycled 13,000 km from China to Saudi Arabia to fulfill him. (X/@SHAHFAI65660968)
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A journey by a number of international locations
Gong’s route took him by Kazakhstan, Georgia, Iran, and Qatar, amongst different nations, as he navigated numerous landscapes and cultures. Decided to fulfil his dream of assembly the long-lasting footballer, he cycled on, counting on primary provisions and a spirit of resilience. Upon listening to about Gong’s journey, Ronaldo’s group organized a memorable assembly for him outdoors the Al Nassr membership.
In the course of the encounter, Ronaldo signed Gong’s shirt and took a number of photographs with him, acknowledging the immense effort it took to make the journey. Regardless of the language boundaries, financial constraints, and bodily exhaustion, Gong remained undeterred. “It was all worth it,” he shared with South China Morning Put up.
Have a look right here on the photos throughout the meet: Impressed by a cancelled go to
Gong’s choice to embark on this monumental journey was impressed by Ronaldo’s cancelled go to to China in February, on account of a leg harm. To organize, he packed necessities, together with two 60,000mAh energy banks, a tent, cooking utensils, and garments. In international locations the place meals had been expensive, he relied on bread, usually utilizing translation apps to speak with locals. He even confronted a well being scare in Armenia in August, the place he collapsed on account of a excessive fever however fortuitously obtained free therapy.
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Upon reaching Riyadh on October 10, Gong patiently awaited Ronaldo, who was then in Europe. With the assistance of Al Nassr FC workers and a kind-hearted fan who supplied him a ticket, Gong lastly noticed Ronaldo in motion in a match between Al Nassr and Al Shabab. His persistence was rewarded with a handshake, a hug, and a signed jersey.
A lifelong fan’s dream fulfilled
Along with signing his jersey, Ronaldo autographed a banner with the names of Gong’s pals, leaving the phrases, “What I dream of is true love and freedom.”
In China, Ronaldo, affectionately often known as “C Luo,” is well known for his record-breaking profession, with over 900 targets and the title of the most-followed particular person on Instagram. Gong now plans to proceed his travels, setting his sights on visiting Portugal, Ronaldo’s homeland.