Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars recreated as military generals in paint as football meets art

CRISTIANO RONALDO was crowned as the new emperor of Europe last night – and a fan has immortalised him in paint as a military general.

Italian artist Pupazzaro draws footballers in army gear and what was initially a hobby has turned into a business, with some PLAYERS even asking him for a portrait.

Apart from Real Madrid star Ronaldo, the likes of Nani, Paul Pogba, Hugo Lloris, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud were drawn by the Italian artist ahead of the Euro 2016 final.

Pupazzaro is actually Fabrizio Birimbelli, a 43-year-old computer programmer from Rome, who started painting players from his beloved AS Roma in his spare time – before gaining followers asking him for portraits of their idols all over the world.

He told SunSport: “I have painted and drawn since I was a kid and started this kind of stuff three or four months ago.

“The choice of these generals is because it gives an epic, but also ironic, view of the football ‘heroes’.

related articles

TV Times

What TV channel is Burnley vs Crystal Palace on and where can I watch it?

I'M STAYING

Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic vows to fight for his place despite offers to move in January

'I lost my identity'

Raheem Sterling says he 'forgot how to play' under ex-Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini

ANDY TIMING

Crocked striker Andy Carroll poised for comeback in West Ham's derby clash with Tottenham

TEAM NEWS

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United: Under-fire Jose Mourinho's problems continue to mount

Preview

What time is Burnley vs Crystal Palce and where can I watch it?

Three Kings

Gary Neville reveals the three players who he rates as the Premier League's top trio - but can you guess them?

GROUNDS FOR DEBATE

Marcus Rashford reveals the stadium he rates as the toughest he's played at so far

POPPY BAN

Why have Fifa banned poppies? England, Scotland are Wales are in talks with world football governing Fifa over issue

Preview

What are odds for Man City vs Barcelona, where can I watch Champions League game and what time is it on?

KANE AND ABLE

Harry Kane looks sharp in training for Spurs ahead of potential return in Sunday's North London derby

What Are The Odds?

Latest odds, TV information and team news ahead of Premier League clash between Swansea and Man United

“They are not really heroes, of course, but as a football fan, during the 90 minutes they look like that in your eyes.”

Fabrizio even revealed that he was invited to Roma’s training ground to give a painting to Italy legend Francesco Totti (below) – as well as former Fulham star Clint Dempsey getting in touch for a portrait.

– Grazie.
– No, Grazie a te.
– E de che?
– Mbè… pic.twitter.com/WF3N4pDZte

— pupazzaro (@pupazzaro) May 3, 2016

And he even sent a portrait to Leicester City’s title-winning manager, and fellow Italian, Claudio Ranieri, who Fabrizio said “liked it very much.”

To see more of Pupazzaro’s work, or to purchase any prints, click here.

Pupazzaro can also be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.