Gladiator meets galactico: Crowe´s a Ronaldo fan

Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe admitted he was a great fan of Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday during a visit to the Spanish club.

“I was definitely looking forward to meeting Ronaldo because obviously he is one of the best players to have ever played the game,” the Hollywood star told the club’s television station after meeting the players and receiving a Real shirt with his name emblazoned on the back.

“I always check out La Liga table to see where Barcelona and Real Madrid stand, you have a great team,” added Crowe, who gave each player a cap from his South Sydney Rabbitohs, a rugby team he owns in Australia.

“It was fun man. Obviously Real Madrid is a legendary club.”

The New Zealand-born actor had his picture taken with Ronaldo as well as with defenders Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe, striker Raul Gonzalez and midfielder Guti.

Crowe was in the Spanish capital to promote his latest film “Robin Hood” which he produced and stars in.

Crowe, naturalized Australian, won the Academy Award for best actor in 2001 for “Gladiator,” and has also starred in such films as “A Beautiful Mind” and “Cinderella Man.”