Portuguese wonderkid Geovany Quenda admits that he “didn’t say anything” during an awkward meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo on international duty.

At just 17 years of age, and with limited game time at Lisbon-based Sporting under his belt, Quenda was included in Roberto Martinez’s plans for a national team training camp in September. He was not handed a senior debut, but did get to rub shoulders with some prominent figures – including five-time Ballon d’Or winner CR7.

Quenda has told Canal 11 of being a little star-struck when crossing paths with Ronaldo during an initial lift exchange – with the teenager embarrassed by his fan boy behaviour: “He was going up and I was going down. When I rang the elevator, he was going up and he appeared. I was a bit embarrassed, but that's normal! I didn't say anything. He's an example for everyone, for all the kids who dream of being footballers.”

The highly-rated youngster added on his reaction to being called up by Portugal for the first time: “I was at training when [Goncalo] Inacio said he had been called up. I couldn't believe it. Daniel Braganca also started talking about it. Then I went to see and started receiving lots of messages. I called my father. He was happy. He started calling everyone. It was an unforgettable moment when I arrived at the Cidade do Futebol. They welcomed me well, it's a fantastic group.”

Quenda has become a regular at club level this season, with his goal account being opened, and is hoping to tread a similar career path to fellow Sporting academy graduate Ronaldo – who is still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 39 years of age.