Cristiano Ronaldo congratulates boyhood club Nacional on Portugal promotion

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message congratulating his boyhood club, whose facilities he used during his two-month isolation, on their Portugal League promotion.

Portugal's Football (LPFP) League announced on Tuesday that they will  promote Madeira-based Nacional and Farense to the top division while Cova da Piedade and Casa Pia will be relegated to the third division.

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Leaders Nacional had a two-point advantage over nearest rivals Farense, with the two sides occupying the promotion places, while Cova da Piedade and Casa Pia were in the relegation positions when the league was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced last week the cancellation of Portugal's second division as the conditions were not there for the competition to resume. Nacional, the club based in Funchal, Madeira, return to the top flight after a one-year absence while it has been 18 years since Farense last played in the top tier.

Ronaldo sent an audio message to the players: "I met some players at [Choupana stadium], not all, but it was a pleasure to be there with all the staff and take advantage of the facilities to keep me in shape. I want to send you a big hug and wish you the best and success. Congratulations to everyone for the excellent season they did... Nacional is in the 1st Division... I still don't know if we're going to play in Italy now, I'm looking forward to it. Let's wait. With regards to you, good luck for the next season and we are together."

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), meanwhile announced that an agreement had been reached for the players and coaches of the 18 clubs of the top division for their contracts to be extended until the end of the competition.