Shouted 'Siii' During Venezuela Rescue, Receives Ronaldo-Signed Jersey

Hernán Gil, the 44-year-old Venezuelan who miraculously survived eight days trapped beneath the rubble of a shopping center, received a Portuguese national team jersey, personally autographed by Cristiano Ronaldo, this Saturday. The special delivery was made by Commander Hugo Santos of the Portuguese Joint Operational Force and Portugal's Ambassador to Venezuela, Frederico Silva.

Gil was pulled from the debris alive on July 1st, having been trapped since June 24th following two devastating earthquakes, both exceeding magnitude seven, that rocked Venezuela. His incredible story of resilience, along with the unwavering persistence of the rescue teams—among whom a Portuguese contingent played a crucial role—gained global recognition.

It was upon realizing the nationality of his rescuers that Hernán Gil first uttered Cristiano Ronaldo's name. Now, his wish has been granted with this special gift, a moment highlighted by the Portuguese Embassy in Caracas on social media.

"As is customary with rescue teams, I told him I was from Portugal, introduced myself as Armando Maria, and said I was there to help. Immediately, he shouted 'Cristiano Ronaldo.' In Spanish, I asked him, 'Do you know Cristiano Ronaldo's famous celebration cry?' And, incredibly, the victim let out Ronaldo's traditional shout and responded 'Siii!'" recalled Armando Maria of the Special Civil Protection Force, speaking to CNN Portugal.

The embassy also highlighted the crucial role of the Portuguese team in the rescue operation. "Hernán Gil was a victim of a building collapse in La Guaira, buried under tons of rubble from June 24th to July 1st. For over four days, the Portuguese team was the first to establish their position, advance to the area, and provide Hernán Gil with food and water from a distance until his successful extraction," the post read.

The same statement confirmed the gift's presentation: "During this visit, Commander Hugo Santos and Ambassador Frederico Silva presented Hernán Gil with a number 7 Portuguese national team jersey, signed by Cristiano Ronaldo himself."