Cristiano Ronaldo gave Marcus Rashford a unique gift, but “no-one can touch it” since it holds such sentimental value.

When he returned to Manchester United for a second stint, Rashford got to play with his idol, appearing 54 times and scoring 27 goals.

But in 2018, before they were colleagues, Ronaldo had given Rashford two gifts.

Marcus received a signed Real Madrid shirt from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, along with the words, “To Marcus, keep up the good work.”

However, a few weeks before to that, Ronaldo had shipped Rashford a pair of exclusive red Nike Air Max 97 CR7 sneakers.

The ‘Portugal Patchwork’ pattern was inspired by Ronaldo’s modest upbringing and his mother Dolores’ habit of mending his shoes together when he was a small child.

Although Rashford thanked Ronaldo on Instagram, he hasn’t really worn the sneakers and doesn’t intend to do so.

In an interview with Complex regarding their ‘Sneaker Shopping’ segment, the England player stated: “No one can touch them. He was one of my favourite players growing up and I like the show.

“I’d love to wear the shoe but if I messed them up, I don’t know what I’d do to myself. I’m better to just keep them locked away.”

In his first season back at Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 38 games. However, under Erik ten Hag, he fell out of favor, and midway through the 2022–2023 campaign, his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

Although the 38-year-old got a lucrative contract with Al Nassr, Rashford will always cherish the memories they shared on the field.

“It has been an unbelievable experience to play with him,” Rashford told the Manchester Evening News.

“He is one of my idols, and someone I always looked up to. It’s something I can keep with me forever.

I wish him all the best, and we want to thank him for the things he’s done for Manchester United.”