sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Cristiano Ronaldo responds as Chinese fans storm hotel after Al-Nassr friendly postponed

Home> Football> Saudi Pro League

Published 15:22 23 Jan 2024 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo responds as Chinese fans storm hotel after Al-Nassr friendly postponed

Ronaldo has broken his silence.

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

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.

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.

Advert

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.

"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.

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo. (
Getty)

"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.

Featured Image Credit: @11l_p and @GOATTWORLD

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Chinese Super League

Alex Brotherton
Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a journalist at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He can often be found watching dreadful non-league football.

X

@alex_brotherton

Recommended reads

Dennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridartsMark Selby lifts lid on backstage talks over Crucible as landmark agreement reachedGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
12 hours ago
14 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    8 hours ago

    Ralf Rangnick told Man Utd to sign current transfer target in 2022 but they ignored him

    United ignored Rangnick, who was "adamant" that the club should have signed him.

    Football
  • ITV
    12 hours ago

    ITV break silence on claims I'm a Celeb contestant kicked Jimmy Bullard

    The broadcaster has released an official statement addressing the major fight.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    12 hours ago

    Why Jadon Sancho could play 'crucial' role in Man Utd’s bid to sign Aurelien Tchouameni

    Sancho has made a major transfer decision in recent hours.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    14 hours ago

    Liam Rosenior was 'stitched up' by two Chelsea players just weeks before sacking

    Gary Neville has made an interesting observation following Rosenior's sacking.

    Football
  • Cristiano Ronaldo has already been given 'special permission' to break strict Saudi rule as he commits future to Al Nassr
  • Cristiano Ronaldo 'Goes on Strike' And Is 'Refusing to Play For Al Nassr'
  • Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Silence After 'Refusing to Play' For Al Nassr
  • Kingsley Coman faces awkward Cristiano Ronaldo conversation if he completes Al Nassr transfer