Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial bust swapped at Madeira airport

The original, widely mocked for its grimacing smile, was swapped at request of Real Madrid star's entourage

The original bust in dedication to Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled 16 months ago at a ceremony to rename the airport after the Portuguese star. AFP

The controversial bronze bust of Cristiano Ronaldo at the airport on Madeira that bears his name has been replaced, Portuguese media reported on Monday.

"This bust is much better than the other one, that's what everyone thinks," Hugo Aveiro, brother of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, told the Diario de Noticias da Madeira newspaper.

"A Spanish sculptor offered this new bust... so good that we decided to change it," he added.

The original was swapped on Friday at the request of the Real Madrid superstar's entourage, according to local media.

Ronaldo recalls bicycle kick for Real Madrid

I’m so glad I went for it - it was the greatest goal I’ve ever scored.
Believe. #justdoit @nikefootball pic.twitter.com/iSFRsSW4nc

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 14, 2018

The original, by local artist Emanuel Santos, was unveiled 16 months ago at a ceremony to rename the airport after one of Madeira's most famous sons, CR7 having been born in the capital Funchal.

"The CR7 Museum asked us to replace the bust in tribute to the athlete and we felt we ought to change it," airport director Duarte Ferreira explained.

The Ronaldo museum opened in 2013 and a year later it unveiled a 3.4-metre statue that also caused some mirth owing to its figure-hugging shorts.

While his home island concentrates on his likenesses, the real Ronaldo is busy at the World Cup. He notched a hat-trick to earn a point against Spain a few hours after the airport bust was exchanged.