Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked Liverpool fans for their show of support during their clash with Manchester United earlier this week.
Posting a video of the round of applause from all sections of the Anfield crowd on his Instagram page, Ronaldo shared his appreciation for the gesture.
“One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion,” wrote Ronaldo.
It was a touching display as the Liverpool fans put bitter rivalry aside to show respect for a player going through a difficult personal moment.
Liverpool fans show they’re the best
We all know that Liverpool fans are some of the best, if not the best around. To some with other allegiances, that may remain a myth. But the touch of class from those present in Anfield against United only confirmed it.
Sport is better with heated rivalries, that’s undeniable. The feeling of dishing out a good beating to a competitor is one that Liverpool felt on Tuesday and it can’t really be topped.
In moments of loss and tragedy though, it’s important to leave those feelings aside.
There will have been some inside Anfield who chose not to join in or disagreed with the public display for a rival. Luckily, they appear to have been in a minority and for the most part the crowd rose to its feet.
It’s unlikely that Ronaldo will ever feel the warmth of Anfield ever again, and nor should he. The 37-year-old is too deeply associated with United for that.
Should he ever appear at Liverpool’s home again though, perhaps there’ll be a mutual respect there that didn’t exist before.
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