He was in and out in a flash, much like how he takes the ball past two, three defenders.

But the 37 minutes Cristiano Ronaldo spent in Crest Secondary School will be the most cherished by its 200 students for some time to come.

The 28-year-old Real Madrid forward was in Singapore to attend the Singapore Olympic Foundation (SOF) - Peter Lim Scholarship event held at Crest Secondary, which is the first of two specialised schools in The Republic for Normal Technical students that provides a customized curriculum to suit the learning needs of students.

The school took in its first cohort this year and has benefited from a S$250,000 Peter Lim Financial Assistance Scheme that goes towards students' meal vouchers, transportation, shoes, books and stationery.

And Ronaldo paid them a visit in a bid to inspire the children to strive for the SOF scholarship, which gives out S$2000-10,000 per year to promising athletes who are facing financial constraints.

Arriving at 1.15pm on Wednesday, the Portuguese star first answered questions from the students, revealing that he started playing football at four years old after being influenced by his brothers and father. He was also asked how he "became a star," to which he replied with a smile, "Stars are in the sky. You have to train hard, believe in yourself and listen to those who know about football. Always try to improve, season by season, day by day."

With his Russian model girlfriend, Irina Shayk, 27, in tow, Ronaldo still managed to show off his football skills, watch a video clip of his goals made for him by the students, and take photos with the students.

He also had the time to say he missed English football.

"I do, I really miss it. Those were some of my best years that I had with Manchester United. It will always have a special place in my heart. I'm very happy in Spain right now (with Real) but you never know about the future."

Media on the ground were told that he wouldn't answer any questions about transfers and new Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. But he bravely fielded a question about Spanish league rivals Barcelona and their new signing, Neymar.

"I'm only thinking about my team. I don't care about Barcelona. They've signed a great player but I am focused on my team, which I think is the best in the world.



Last week, Ronaldo was in Indonesia to help campaign efforts to save the mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia as the ambassador of the Mangrove Care Forum.

He is due to join up with Real and new coach Ancelotti when Madrid take on Englsih Championship side Bouremouth in a friendly on July 21st.