The rain lashed against the windows of Funchal Airport as Cristiano Ronaldo, an 18-year-old with unruly curls and feverish eyes, signed his contract with Fiorentina. The number 28 weighed in his hands like a promise.
"You'll be our man for the big nights," Pablo Lombardi told him, pointing to the violet crest. "But first, you'll have to earn this number."
The Portuguese boy didn't know that piece of fabric would turn him into a legend.
Baptism by Fire
His debut came in the Coppa Italia vs. Inter:
67': Subbed on.
Dribbled past Córdoba and J. Zanetti in sequence.
Crossed for Del Piero's tap-in.
Took a brutal tackle from Materazzi, leaving his ankle purple.
Pablo met him in the tunnel:
"Does it hurt?"
Cristiano, limping but upright:
"Only when I breathe, mister."
Instant Chemistry
In training before the Derby della Capitale vs. Roma, Pablo tested a lethal duo:
4-4-2 Diamond
Del Piero as second striker.
Cristiano (28) as free-roaming left winger.
The result was pure magic:
Serie A – Fiorentina 3-1 Roma
February 15, 2004
11': Cristiano nutmegged Panucci and crossed for Del Piero's volley.
33': One-two combination. The Portuguese fired into the corner.
89': Del Piero returned the favor with a through ball for Cristiano's finish.
Totti, watching from the bench, muttered:
"They play like they've been together ten years."
Eclipse of the Gods
The 2003-04 Champions League was his coronation:
Semifinal – Fiorentina vs. Real Madrid
May 4, 2004 – Bernabéu
23': Cristiano sombrero'd Salgado before assisting Kaká.
77': Won a free-kick at the edge of the box. Del Piero converted.
89': Ran 90 meters to block Figo's shot on the line.
Zidane, retired and in the stands, noted:
"He has Ronaldo's hunger and Figo's elegance."
The Number 7
Summer 2004. With Jankulovski's departure, the 7 was free. Pablo called Cristiano to his office:
"This number was worn by heroes. Now it's yours."
The Portuguese held it up to the mirror. Reflected behind him was a photo of Del Piero embracing him after his first hat-trick.
As the sun set over Florence, Del Piero handed Cristiano a note:
"Wear it better than I did."
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