Cristiano Ronaldo Wannabe Spends Thousands of Pounds to Look Like Star

A 17-year-old from Denmark has spent thousands in an attempt to emulate his idol, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Shanta, who refers to himself as Cristiano and also adopts the Portuguese footballer's surname, has made five trips to Madrid this year alone and has met his hero on a number of occasions. 

Shanta told the Mirror:

"

My obsession for Cristiano is enormous. I've no idea how much I've spent emulating him but it's definitely in the thousands.

I've met him for a couple of times and I can't explain such a fantastic person he is.

"

The teenager even reportedly had a trial with the Real Madrid academy in October 2014. He went on to talk about meeting his idol at the team's training ground:

"

I waited every day at Valdebebas [where Real Madrid train] from 9am to 2pm just to see him.

"Now, he knows me it means every time I go to Madrid I can meet him, which I am so proud of.

"

While Shanta's emulation of Ronaldo is on the extreme side, he sees it as a good thing:

"

He's not just my passion, but he motivates me.

All my friends, my family call me Cristiano Ronaldo.

They know my passion and respect it. Some may think I'm crazy, but that's the way I am. People tell me, 'be yourself' but I cannot be myself more than I am now.

"

[h/t Mirror]