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Real Madrid Gives Cristiano Ronaldo a Bust That Actually Looks Like Him

Real Madrid have given Cristiano Ronaldo a new bust in an attempt to eradicate the memory of artist Emanuel Santos' effort earlier this year.
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Real Madrid have given Cristiano Ronaldo a new bust in an attempt to eradicate the memory of artist Emanuel Santos' effort earlier this year.

The Mirror have reported that the sculpture came about when Jose Antonio Navarro Arteaga, a Spanish sculptor, was begged by his son to do a "nice" version of the Portuguese talisman.

The new bust has earned plaudits from fans and critics alike, although there have been some complaints that it is perhaps too impeccable, too flattering.

It will be housed at Real Madrid's museum after it received significantly more approval than the previous attempt.

Arteaga refused to reveal the cost of the 35-inch high, 9.5 stone bust, although admitted he had spent less than the £90,000 he used for a sculpture of a Spanish duchess who died in 2014.

“I used several photos of Cristiano to work from," he told El Mundo. “What I wanted to reflect was his interior strength, when he was preparing to take a free kick or a corner.”

Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno was alongside the artist at the unveiling of the bust, filling in for the absent Ronaldo.

“Finally a bust that actually looks like Cristiano," Los Blancos supporter Jose Rodriguez wrote on Twitter.

“The last one was a complete and utter disaster. This one actually makes him look more handsome than he is in real life.”

Fan Sergio Gonzalez added: “What a wonderful piece of work. This is a true piece of art.”