Sporting Lisbon unveil third shirt emblazoned with 'CR7'

Sporting Lisbon have unveiled a third shirt for the 2023-24 that pays a Cristiano Ronaldo-themed tribute to the 20 years have passed since the club moved to the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

After spending nearly 50 years at their previous ground that also bore the name of their founder, Sporting moved to their new stadium adjacent to the previous one in 2003.

The first game held in the new ground would see the Primeira Liga club take on a Manchester United side who had just triumphed in the Premier League.

That pre-season friendly would see an 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo announce himself to the wider footballing world with a sublime performance, inspiring the home side to a 3-1 win and prompting the United stars to persuade Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him.

In homage to Ronaldo's performance on that day, the club's new shirt will feature 'CR7' emblazoned in place of the manufacturer's logo.

'Travel back in time with us.' A post from the club's English language Twitter account read.

'6th of August 2003 to the 6th of August 2023. 20 years of Estádio Jose Alvalade and 5 Ballon d'Or later, the best in the world are united in one piece.'

The black and gold home shirt will be worn by Ruben Amorim's side in the coming campaign as they look to build on the fourth-placed finish in the Portuguese top flight they achieved last season.

The Leoes have 19 Primeira Liga titles in their history, having most recently triumphed in the COVID-disrupted 2020-21 season.