A World Cup fairytale
Forget the pictures of Saudi Arabia's jubilant players wheeling away in delight after their shock win over Argentina on Tuesday - if you're after a heartwarming World Cup tale, well, look no further than this...
An English non-league side have confirmed they are willing to take a chance on a veteran out-of-contract striker who is set to appear at the tournament in Qatar for his country later this week - and are even willing to offer him a weekly wage of £35.
AFC Crewe of the 14th tier Crewe and District League Premier Division have confirmed their interest in 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, who has been named in Portugal's squad.
Aveiro has been without a club since about 5pm on Tuesday afternoon, after he and his club agreed to terminate his contract.
After beginning his career in his native Portugal, his nomadic career has already seen him play two separate spells in England, as well as stints in Spain and Italy.
AFC Crewe have now confirmed they are willing to offer Aveiro a contract which would see him become the club's best-paid player.
https://twitter.com/afc_crewe/status/1595115440270848001
World Cups of the past have occasionally provided unattached players with a platform to showcase their talents with a view to securing a new club. Aveiro will hope this proves to be the case again, with his side finalising preparations for their opening game of the tournament with Ghana on Thursday.
Should he get on the field, AFC Crewe could well be one of several clubs willing to take a punt on the free agent.
Fairytale stuff indeed.
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