
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:
Red Roses Canada loss ends England’s 41-match unbeaten run
Canada seals historic win over England England’s dominance in women’s rugby has finally been brought to an end, with Canada producing a stunning late comeback to claim a 24-21 victory in front of thousands of fans in Toronto. The decisive moment arrived with only three minutes left on the clock, when Shoshanah Seumanutafa crossed for […]
Football
2 days ago
Former Sale Sharks player Hyron Andrews dies at team hotel in France
He was just 31 years old Former Sale Sharks player Hyron Andrews has died aged 31 at his team hotel in France. As reported by Ici La Rochelle, Andrews, a member of the South African team Lions, was found in the squad hotel on l’île de Ré, an island just off the coast of the […]
Football
3 days ago
Rees-Zammit demands end to artificial rugby pitches
Football