Lisbon, Nov 13 (IANS): Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo expressed solidarity with his compatriot Edu Ferreira, who announced this week that he is suffering from cancer.

The official website of the Portuguese national team released on Saturday a message of support from Ronaldo to Ferreira, whose club Boavista is currently in eighth position of the first division of Portuguese league standings, reports Efe.

Ronaldo encouraged the 19-year-old player to have "a lot of strength" in his fight against the disease.

Ferreira's disease has dominated the sports scene in Portugal, as Porto-based Boavista has opened a bank account in order to support the striker financially.

Ferreira had recently joined Boavista to start his first season as a professional soccer player, but his career will stop until he recovers.

Boavista management announced its unconditional support for the striker, who has a contract with the club until 2018.