Fernando Alonso is a devoted fan of Real Madrid, and the legendary football club just returned the compliment by making the F1 driver an honorary member.
The presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu hosted an event which saw club president Florentino Pérez present Alonso with the honorary club member card and a shirt with his name and number 1 on the back.
"This event today is meant as a show of appreciation from Real Madrid to one of our fans and members. It is recognition from our club of one of the greatest Spanish sportsmen of all time.
"He is a pioneer who achieved something that no Spaniard had achieved before: he was a Formula 1 world champion".
"Fernando, you are an extraordinary ambassador of our club for all of madridismo."
The two-time world champion listened in awe before expressing his gratitude towards his fellow club members.
"Many thanks to the president and Real Madrid," he said.
"It is a tremendously special day to be here in this stadium that I love from a distance with all the trips I have.
"This started from when I was little, my father was a big Real Madrid fan and he instilled in me the values of the club.
""I've been asked a lot why I support Real Madrid. I've never had a clear answer. I am a Real Madrid fan because I am a Real Madrid fan.
"Neither do I know why my eyes are brown. Real Madrid chose me to be, like millions of people, a fan of this great club.
"Somehow, we were born to be fans of this great club. I am another member and it’s a great source of pride and honour. Hala Madrid and nothing more!".
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