Cristiano Ronaldo sticks up for Japanese boy after he struggles to speak Portuguese

It was a change from his on-pitch sullen demeanour

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal for Real Madrid against Juventus (GETTY IMAGES)

Cristiano Ronaldo often gets accused of being a moody so and so on the football pitch, but here he is with a lovely gesture off it.

The world's best player has been caught on video sticking up for a young fan during a promotional event in Japan, after the audience began to laugh as tjhe boy attempted to ask him a question in Portuguese.

Sensing jeers from the audience at the Q & A session, Ronaldo showed his human side by responding to the crowd to lay off the nervous interviewer, saying:

"Why they smile? He speaks good Portuguese! They should be happy, because he tries very hard!"

The crowd then applauded the child on the stage.

WATCH: RONALDO HELPING JAPANESE CHILD

Ronaldo became the Champions League's top scorer last night, after his goal for Real Madrid in their 2-1 defeat at Juventus in the first leg of the semi-final.

He has now scored 76 goals in the competition, one more than his arch nemesis, the Barcelona winger, Lionel Messi.