Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo posts heartfelt tribute to Queen describing her passing as an ‘incredible loss’ and refers to England as her ‘home’

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her sad passing.

The Portuguese striker was in the Red Devils’ line-up for Thursday night’s Europa League home defeat to Real Sociedad, which came just hours after news of the Queen’s death was announced.

Ronaldo, who had two spells in the Premier League, paid a heartfelt tribute to the Queen on his Instagram account and described England as a country he has “learned to call home”.

He wrote: “Seven years of my career have been played in the Premier League, making this my 8th season in England. Throughout these years I have felt the UK’s undying love for its Queen, and how important Her Majesty was and always will be to the British people.

“I honor his memory and mourn this irreplaceable loss along with the country I have come to call home. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family.

Ronaldo’s inclusion in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI on Thursday night was his first start since the 4-0 loss to Brentford on August 13.

Since then, Ten Hag has banished the 37-year-old to the bench while overseeing a four-game winning streak that has seen the Red Devils climb from the bottom of the Premier League to fifth place, leaving them three points behind leaders Arsenal. .

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to get on the scoresheet against Real Sociedad but had a header marked for offside.

United’s game at Crystal Palace was postponed this weekend after the Premier League announced that all matches in England would not be held as a mark of respect for the late Queen.

But Ronaldo could be back in action next Thursday when United get the chance to bounce back from Thursday’s defeat when he travels to Moldova to face Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.