Trump lavishes praise on Cristiano Ronaldo after he calls to thank him for White House invite

WASHINGTON, DC: One​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ of the world's top soccer players, Cristiano Ronaldo, was at an exclusive dinner at the White House recently and was subsequently complimented by President Donald Trump in a rare occasion where a top global soccer star met a US president.

Now Trump has shed light on a phone conversation they had after the much-publicized White House event.

The dinner was a celebration of the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and had people from the worlds of politics, business, and sport in attendance.

Trump was over the top delighted for Cristiano Ronaldo being at White House event

Trump joked that the meeting earned him extra respect from his son, Barron, a huge Ronaldo fan.

During the dinner, President Trump said, "You know, my son is a big fan of Ronaldo, wherever Ronaldo is here. And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you. So I just want to thank you both for being here. Really an honor."

The interaction appeared very positive, with the White House captioning the footage of the two with "Two GOATs".

Trump also presented Ronaldo with a gold key to the White House, an honor reserved for special guests. And now there’s been an update on a phone call between the pair. 

Trump praises Ronaldo, calls him an ‘incredible guy’

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, "Cristiano Ronaldo, the GREAT soccer (football!) player, just called to thank me for his tour this week of the White House and Oval Office. What an incredible guy he is, not only as an athlete, but as a person. You don't get any better!!!"

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ event where Ronaldo was present aligns with the changes that are happening in Saudi Arabia in terms of diplomacy, economy, and culture.

Being the main star of Saudi soccer club Al-Nassr, he has been turned into the most recognizable face of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's growth in the sport and tourism sector.

By his stay, he shows how these three worlds - soccer, politics, and soft-power are getting mixed up more and more. 

As a matter of fact, Ronaldo hasn't been to the US publicly for almost ten years, and this was his first known trip, which serves to emphasize the importance of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌visit.

After receiving criticism online for meeting Trump, Ronaldo’s sisters defended him on her Instagram story.

Elma wrote, "Haven't these clowns realized yet that he doesn't give a damn about their opinions? This isn't for those who want it, it's for those who can handle it. They have nothing else to say, damn it."