In 2003, Madeiran footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, then playing for Manchester United, participated in an initiative to promote Madeira as the European Region 2004.
The agreement, which involved no financial compensation, was signed with the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Cunha e Silva, at Quinta Vigia. Ronaldo expressed his pride at the time in being the region's "face" at just 18 years old.
The project included various promotional actions, such as participation in tourism fairs like the World Travel Market in London, and the distribution of a football signed by the player.
