
Sport
Share
Published 16:19 23 Jan 2024 GMT
Updated 16:20 23 Jan 2024 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to release a statement after several Chinese supporters stormed a hotel after friendlies with Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang were cancelled.
Al Nassr had made the trip as part of their preparations to return from the winter break and were set to face off against the Chinese opposition until Ronaldo picked up an injury.
As a result of the 38-year-old's injury, they cancelled their two games due to be played on January 24 and January 28 but will remain in Shenzen to complete their game.
The news of the postponements sparked outrage among locals, with videos online showing footage of a number of people storming the hotel that the Al Nassr team were staying in.
It caused so much fury that Ronaldo was forced to hold a press conference in which he apologised for not being able to play and promised to return.
He said: "I love this country [China], I love to be here, I love to be here with you guys, and I want to play for you.
"So, don't be sad, because I am sad too. I've been coming to China since 2003, 2004. I feel at home here, it's my second home.
"As you can see I am sad. I know you are sad too, the people that love Cristiano.
"We won't cancel the game, we have postponed it. We want to be back here in your country. We will be back. "Unfortunately I have some problem, but this is part of football, it is part of my life. But I am here, I'm here with the fans and the Chinese people.
"I hope you understand the circumstances of a football player. We will continue our pre-season and we need you on our side."
One official confirmed that all fans who had tickets would be reimbursed.
Related links:
Explore more on these topics:
Zverev has won the US Open six years after throwing it away
The sweet smell of success Six years after serving for the same trophy and succumbing to defeat, Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-2 in New York to win the second Grand Slam title of his career. Zverev, 29, threw away a two-set lead in 2020 against Dominic Thiem, after serving for […]
Sport
21h
GB sprinter Amy Hunt amongst athletes to criticise controversial Sydney Sweeney sports advert
‘This is what women in sport look like’ A viral sports gambling advert which stars actress Sydney Sweeney has incited the reaction of many female athletes, and British sprinter Amy Hunt is among them. The controversial ad features Sweeney naked but she is seen using various pieces of sporting equipment to cover parts of her […]
Sport
1 day ago
Non-league goalkeeper turns down chance to become king in Uganda
Sport