Soccer fans swarmed a luxury hotel in Ireland last night to catch a glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo, the most expensive soccer player in history.

Ronaldo is in Ireland for pre-season training with his new club Real Madrid at the swanky Carton House in County Kildare.

Security was tight at Dublin Airport when the team arrived and they were whisked away throuh a VIP exit and driven to Kildare.

In Kildare, fans mobbed the luxury bus when it pulled up at the hotel and Ronaldo waved to fans as they snapped pictures.

However, one fan was blocked by a security guard as he tried to approach Ronaldo for an autograph.

The Spanish giants paid Manchester United a record-breaking €94m ($131m) for Ronaldo and he is expected to make his debut in a friendly match against Irish minnows Shamrock Rovers on Monday.

The €60 ($83) tickets for that game have long sold out but tickets are available on ebay for just over face value at €75 ($104)

Ronaldo is just as well-known for his partying as he is for his soccer skills.

His on-off relationship with celebrity Paris Hilton has kept the sports media occupied in the off-season.

However, the world's attention will be focused on Tallaght Stadium Monday night as he makes his debut with Real Madrid.