Fans gathered in New York's Times Square on Wednesday as a statue of Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled to mark the Portuguese superstar's 40th birthday.
The 3.6-metre bronze statue was created by Italian artist Sergio Furnari and encouraged Ronaldo fans to show up in an attempt to break the record for the most people performing Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration in unison.
On Instagram Furnari said: “February 5th, if you love Ronaldo come to Time Square to celebrate. It’s his 40th birthday, don’t miss it. We’re going to beat the world record of the ‘Siu’ celebration!”
The celebration is a part of Ronaldo’s on-field persona and now follows almost every goal he scores.
It is unclear if a new record had been set.
Ronaldo was not in attendance. Men's football's most prolific marksman plies his club trade in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr. The Riyadh club are in Saudi Pro League action on Friday, when they take on Al Feiha. Stefano Piolo’s side are eight points off league leaders Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.
Despite his advancing years, former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus striker Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo took his goal tally for this season to 23 goals on Monday, bagging a brace in the 4-0 win over UAE champions Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Ronaldo's second goal extended his record in senior football to 923 goals.
He is also the top scorer in men's international football with 135 goals and is Real Madrid's all-time top scorer with 450 goals.
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