
Football
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:
Kevin Keegan has died aged 75
BREAKING Football legend Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75, a statement from his family has confirmed. Keegan was reportedly diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January. The statement made by Keegan’s family reads: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age […]
Football
21h
Quiz: Name all 48 qualified teams at the 2026 World Cup
It’s been the biggest tournament ever! The 2026 World Cup is now just days from completion, so it’s time we take stock and look back at what have been a truly historic five weeks of footballing action. When the first fixtures kicked off in early June, there were 48 teams still in the tournament, ready […]
Football
3 days ago
Football
Sky News live broadcast interrupted by England fan’s controversial Falklands chant
Football