Sao Cristovao launch crowdfunding campaign to save Estadio Ronaldo Nazario

Sao Cristovao are the Brazilian club that launched the career of the legendary striker Ronaldo Nazario, and the cash-strapped side are now looking to raise funds to save their stadium which is named after him.

Ronaldo moved to Sao Cristovao at 13 years of age, and stayed there until he took his first step into the professional game at 16 with Cruzeiro, before conquering Europe with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter and AC Milan among others.

Sao Cristovao are now going through some serious financial difficulties, and hope to raise 150,000 reais (around 22,000 euros) for the renovation project.

The fifth tier club have suffered due to the coronavirus measures which have prevented fans from entering the stadium.

So far, according to the platform 'Kickante', 7,254 reais (1,072 euros) have been donated to the club, which equates to four percent of the total goal.

The club offers the option of larger donations in exchange for rewards. The prizes range from a thank you on social networks for the cheapest donation, which is 60 reais (8 euros), to the bigger rewards such as having a club membership plan for life, having a permanent seat in the stadium and being recognised as the official ambassador of the Rio de Janeiro team, all for the donation of 10,000 reais (approximately 1,500 euros).

"It is always our goal to act in the best possible way on and off the field, the results have not yet arrived on the field, but with our house in order we will have the encouragement to build a strong and winning team," the club's marketing director Thiago Vancellote said.

"We have planted many seeds throughout the years and we are reaping some fruits, the future promises a lot for this historic club."