A devoted football enthusiast who commemorated Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United with a tattoo has faced ongoing teasing ever since the player moved to Saudi Arabia.
Christina Henriette Longva Andreassen, an ardent supporter of the Red Devils, proudly displays an ‘M.U.F.C‘ tattoo on her finger as a retort to those who stereotype women’s knowledge of football. Additionally, she boasts the team’s iconic number seven jersey inked on her upper arm.
Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his time sporting the famed number seven at Old Trafford, rejoined Manchester United for a second stint on Christina’s birthday.
A Symbol of Manchester United Dedication
Yet, when he departed for the Middle East in December, some seized the opportunity to mock Christina’s tattoo choice.
At 34 years old, she clarifies, “My tattoo depicts the back view of a United shirt, complete with the number seven. It was a surprise birthday gift from my closest friend around the time of Ronaldo’s re-signing – a momentous occasion that aligned with my birthday.” She explains that both she and her friend received matching tattoos, symbolizing their unwavering dedication to Manchester United.
Christina emphasizes, “It wasn’t solely about Ronaldo; it celebrated all our number sevens and their significance.”
Despite explaining the heartfelt sentiment behind her body art, social media users persist in poking fun at her decision.
“I’ve received varied responses to the jersey tattoo,” Christina notes. “While many find it really impressive, there are others who employ it as a test to gauge my football knowledge. Furthermore, when Ronaldo departed Manchester, some individuals condescendingly questioned if I regretted the tattoo. I created an Instagram reel about it as I grew weary of addressing the same inquiries.”
She adds, “So, there was a bit of trolling when Ronaldo left. I also openly voiced my disappointment in Beckham for endorsing both UNICEF and Qatar simultaneously – a contradiction that troubled me deeply.”
Responding to a comment suggesting tattoo removal or covering up, Christina, a football influencer, showcased a Manchester United jersey featuring Eric Cantona’s name with the words: “Remember, there’s more than one number seven.”
Although Christina hails from a small Norwegian town, she currently resides in Oslo. She provides insight into the club’s prominence there, particularly with the Red Army Oslo supporter group.
A Legacy of Football Fandom
She recalls, “I once strolled down the street in a United jersey after our most recent league victory, and a man unexpectedly scooped me up and insisted I join their celebration. He carried me to a bustling bar filled with fellow United supporters commemorating the win. That was a decade ago, and I’ve been part of the community ever since – watching games, embarking on trips to Manchester.”
Christina’s closest friend, Ann Mari, received a matching number seven tattoo alongside her.
Christina attributes her affinity for Manchester United to her grandmother, a fervent Tottenham supporter, and her grandfather, a Newcastle fan, who installed four satellites at home to catch football matches from various leagues across Europe.
