Cristiano Ronaldo wants charges dropped against fan

Ronald Gjoka arrested after running onto pitch, hugging Real Madrid star

MIAMI – Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo asked that prosecutors drop charges a 19-year-old college student faces after he ran onto the pitch at Sun Life Stadium and hugged the soccer star, according to the student's attorney.

Police arrested Ronald Gjoka on Aug. 7 after he ran onto the pitch during the match between Real Madrid and Chelsea. He was charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.

The Portuguese star received a standing ovation from the 67,000 fans in attendance. He scored two goals in Real Madrid's 3-1 win and was named man of the match.

"I understand your position and the importance of enforcing rules and law," Ronaldo wrote in a letter to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, according to Gjoka's attorney, Richard Hujber. "However, I respectfully request that you and your office reconsider this decision and dismiss the two criminal charges this young man faces."

"That was my first time ever going to jail, and I don't want to go back there again," said Gjoka.

Gjoka called the letter shocking.

"He really, really does look out for his fans," he said.

Hujber said the Palm Beach State Community College student may face problems with immigrations and his college if the charges aren't dropped.

"We don't want to see him losing his visa or him getting deported," said Hujber. "I'd like to think they will dismiss the case."

"I regret it," added Gjoka. "Somebody could have gotten hurt, and I want the charges dropped so I can have a successful future."