Why I banned my kids from mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo’s name – Payet

France and West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet, has revealed how he banned his kids from pronouncing Cristiano Ronaldo’s name in their home after the Euro 2016 Championship where Portugal defeated France to lift the trophy for the first time.

Payet said although the kids adore the Real Madrid and Portugal hero, they have been told they are not allowed to utter his name.

The Portugal captain, who was recently crowned world best player the fourth time, played a pivotal role as his country ended Payet’s dreams of international glory. 


The West Ham star admits his kids are big fans of Ronaldo and his Barcelona counterpart, Lionel Messi, but the attacker insists they are not allowed to mention the former.

He told Sports24, “I have kids, so I can understand the image that footballers have.

“They are fans of some players, I see in their eyes. They admire and try to imitate their gestures, their words, their celebrations.

“They love Ronaldo and Messi. Since Euro 2016, though, they have no right to pronounce the name of Ronaldo!”