Geovany Quenda breaks silence on awkward Cristiano Ronaldo meeting as star-struck Portugal wonderkid admits he 'didn't say anything' to five-time Ballon d'Or winner

At just 17 years of age, and with limited game time at Lisbon-based Sporting under his belt, Quenda was included in Roberto Martinez’s plans for a national team training camp in September. He was not handed a senior debut, but did get to rub shoulders with some prominent figures – including five-time Ballon d’Or winner CR7.

Quenda has told Canal 11 of being a little star-struck when crossing paths with Ronaldo during an initial lift exchange – with the teenager embarrassed by his fan boy behaviour: “He was going up and I was going down. When I rang the elevator, he was going up and he appeared. I was a bit embarrassed, but that's normal! I didn't say anything. He's an example for everyone, for all the kids who dream of being footballers.”

The highly-rated youngster added on his reaction to being called up by Portugal for the first time: “I was at training when [Goncalo] Inacio said he had been called up. I couldn't believe it. Daniel Braganca also started talking about it. Then I went to see and started receiving lots of messages. I called my father. He was happy. He started calling everyone. It was an unforgettable moment when I arrived at the Cidade do Futebol. They welcomed me well, it's a fantastic group.”

Quenda has become a regular at club level this season, with his goal account being opened, and is hoping to tread a similar career path to fellow Sporting academy graduate Ronaldo – who is still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 39 years of age.