Bellamy recalls Ronaldo airport lockdown before Wales clash

Craig Bellamy saw Lisbon airport grind to a halt for Cristiano Ronaldo — now his Wales side must face him.

C. Bellamy

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What happened. Craig Bellamy described Cristiano Ronaldo as "beyond a superstar" ahead of Wales facing Portugal in their Nations League A opener. Bellamy recalled a pre-season trip to Lisbon with Burnley when the airport was locked down by police and security to escort Ronaldo.

• Bellamy was an assistant to Vincent Kompany at Burnley during the Lisbon trip.
• He and the squad waited on the coach, initially fearing a security breach.
• Ronaldo, 41, has won five Ballon d'Or awards and five Champions Leagues.

“So we got to the airport and the police were everywhere. It was on lockdown.”

— Craig Bellamy

Wales open their Nations League A campaign against Portugal, with Bellamy's side tasked with containing Ronaldo.

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C. BellamyCristiano RonaldoWalesPortugal

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