European island compared to Hawaii with subtropical forests and £33 flights from the UK

IT’S a moment every football fan dreams of.

I’m standing alongside one of the greatest players of all time – Cristiano Ronaldo.

SuppliedThe 5* Barcelo Funchal Old Town hotel boasts a rooftop pool and bar area[/caption] SuppliedJo posing next to the statue of Madeira’s hometown hero Cristiano Ronaldo[/caption]

Towering over me, the Portugal captain has a formidable stance — legs spread, arms stretched down by his sides, hair immaculate.

I inch closer, mirroring the sporting hero’s pose.