A new park in Calangute was inaugurated near the Arpora-Calangute Bridge which features the statue of the legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. It is learnt that some locals held a black flag demonstration on the sidelines of the installation of the statue of a foreign player saying a statue of a great Goan footballer from Calangute would be more appropriate. The legendary footballer is one of the all time greats of the game and an inspiration to young footballers. Football being a state sport, the youth of the state can follow in the footsteps of the legendary footballer and achieve great heights thereby bringing laurels to themselves and the state of Goa. The statue has been installed as an example of what can be achieved on the football field. Of course Calangute and Goa have produced great footballers who have donned the national colours. A stadium or a stand could be named after these great Goan footballers. However, only a statue of the greatest world footballers will give inspiration for budding footballers. Besides the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, statues of Lionel Messi, Pele and other legendary footballers could also be installed in parks and gardens in Goan villages.
