Cristiano Ronaldo steps in to help save Portuguese dog kennel

Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped in to help an animal charity in his homeland

Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped in to save a dog kennel - and the 80 dogs that are housed there.

The Real Madrid superstar offered to help when he heard that the shelter in the Guarda district of Portugal was in financial difficulties.

The renowned dog lover donated a signed Real Madrid shirt for the shelter to auction in their quest to raise some much-needed cash.

The kennel owner told The Sun: "I want to thank Ronaldo from the bottom of my heart. It's a simple gesture, but very important."

Ronaldo has a reputation as a generous supporter of charitable causes around the world

Ronaldo is a global ambassador for Save the Children and also works with Unicef and World Vision.

In December 2016, he made what was described as a "generous donation" through Save the Children to help provide food, clothing and medical care for families in Syria.