Ronaldo's sister posts touching message to late father

Ronaldo's father passed away at 52 after years of addiction to alcohol and Elma, Cristiano's sister, posted a touching message on Instagram to their late father.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the biggest stars in the world. He has it all: unprecedented success in his profession, global fame, a very healthy bank account and a growing family that includes four kids.

His childhood, however, was very complicated. His humble beginnings on the streets of Madeira is where his footballing career really began before he left his home at age 12 to chase his dream. The Portuguese had to contend with an alcoholic father during his childhood too, however, and José Dinis Aveiro would eventually die from the disease prematurely at the age of 52.

Ronaldo was just 20 when that happened and while Ronaldo admits "he's not the father I dreamed of having", he still credits him with instilling in him his love of football and some vital life lessons. He's not the only one in the family to feel this way and Ronaldo's sister posted to Instagram to remember her late father.

"Dad, the love of my life," Elma started on the Instagram post. "I was speaking about nostalgia the other day and suddenly I remembered that it's been years since you left. Nostaliga will never leave me. Dad, I just want to know that you are doing well. But it's impossible to get rid of this emptiness. I love you, I will love you and I will die with you in my thoughts. Nostalgia is what's left and I can't forget. It will go with me until we meet again. I love you, Dad." She posted it with a photo of the family's late father.

The last time Ronaldo spoke about his father was during an interview with TVI. He said when he heard the news he was in Germany at the World Cup and while the manage gave him permission to leave, he wanted to stay and player in memory of his father.

"It was possibly the most difficult game I've played," he said. "I don't regret playing because that's what I like to do, it was my job and it was as a tribute to him but it was the only time. I haven't have games more difficult than that."