Featured Image Credit: @11l_p and @GOATTWORLD
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Chinese Super League
Alex Brotherton
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Chinese Super League
Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence after fans responded to his injury by appearing to storm the Al-Nassr team hotel.
Al-Nassr were due to play two friendly matches this week as part of their pre-season tour of China.
However, after Cristiano Ronaldo picked up an injury in training, the club confirmed that scheduled meetings with Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang on January 24 and 28 have been postponed.
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The Saudi Arabian club will still complete their training camp in Shenzen, but supporters will not be able to see the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in the flesh.
Some fans in Shenzen reacted angrily to the news. Video footage emerged on social media appearing to show hundreds of fans storming Al-Nassr's hotel while chanting Ronaldo's name.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo and tour organisers held a press conference in a bid to calm the situation. The 38-year-old confirmed that he is injured, but promised fans that he and his teammates will return to play in China.
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"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," Ronaldo said.
"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.
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"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."
An official at the press conference confirmed that supporters unable to watch Ronaldo will be fully reimbursed. He said: "It’s difficult for Cristiano Ronaldo to play due to injury, tickets will be refunded in full and hotel ticket all inclusive."
It remains to be seen whether or not Ronaldo will be fit to feature in a friendly against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on Thursday, February 1.