Cristiano Ronaldo levels up in a new avatar

Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo is back in a new avatar — this time in the virtual world. The Portuguese superstar has announced a fresh update for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, set to release on Tuesday.

Ronaldo revealed the “CR7 Update” via a video on his social media accounts, featuring high-octane scenes from the game accompanied by slick visual effects.

“On July 15, a new game mode update featuring my story is coming! Are you ready to play my quest in South Town?” he posted on Friday.

The new game mode reflects Ronaldo’s competitive spirit and brings fresh content where the football icon travels to South Town to sharpen his fighting skills in Arcade Mode.

Additionally, in the EOST Mode, players will follow an emotional storyline where Ronaldo inspires a young child, helping nurture the child’s love for sport.

The update will be available across major platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

However, Ronaldo’s gaming promotion comes amid criticism over his recent personal decision. The 40-year-old has been facing backlash for choosing to go on holiday instead of attending the funeral of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain.

Many fans expressed disappointment, saying Ronaldo should have honoured Jota — with whom he shared Uefa Nations League success — or at least been present as Portugal’s captain.

But his sister Katia Aveiro jumped in to support his brother's decision with a post on social media.

A number of Jota's teammates attended the service in Gondomar, near Porto, but Portugal captain Ronaldo decided not to attend just to avoid causing a media frenzy that could affect the funeral.

In a series of posts, Aveiro said, "When my father passed away, the pain of loss we had to deal with a flood of cameras and curious onlookers at the cemetery and everywhere we went, it was indescribable destruction ... graves were vandalised and walls were climbed by people with no respect."

In more positive news, Ronaldo recently extended his stay at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr by signing a new two-year contract. The club confirmed the deal on June 26, ending months of speculation over a potential summer departure.