Cristiano Ronaldo has apologized for his injury, which contributed to Al Nassr canceling two friendly matches in China this week.
“As you know, there are some things in football that you can’t control,” Ronaldo said. “I’ve been playing for 22 years and I haven’t had too many injuries. So I’m really very sad for Al Nassr and I really wanted to come to China to enjoy the tour.”
Ronaldo said he has been to China since 2003 and always feels special, welcomed, and at home when he visits the country. “I’m sad and I know you’re sad too, especially those who love Ronaldo, but we have to look at this in a positive way,” the Portuguese striker continued. “We haven’t canceled the match, we’ve just postponed it and we’ll be back.”
On January 21, Ronaldo and the entire team flew to China for the tour. According to the plan, Al Nassr would play two friendly matches against Tianjin Quanjian on January 24 and Zhejiang on January 28, both at the Shenzhen University Central Stadium with a capacity of 60,000 people.
On January 23, Al Nassr announced the indefinite postponement of the two friendly matches because Ronaldo was injured and could not play. The Saudi Pro League club said that “everything is beyond our control” but was willing to complete training in the city of Shenzhen before returning to play a friendly in the future when Ronaldo recovered.
“We came to Shenzhen with great respect for the Chinese football fans and especially the fans of Ronaldo,” Al Nassr’s statement said. “We have agreed with the organizers and sponsors to arrange another match as soon as possible.”
Videos on social media showed Chinese fans expressing their anger when Al Nassr canceled the two friendly matches at the last minute. One video showed many fans rushing into the hotel where Al Nassr was staying to “express their disappointment at Ronaldo’s inability to play the two friendly matches.” Another video showed fans outside the hotel chanting the name of the Portuguese striker.
The 38-year-old striker understands the disappointment and wants the understanding of Chinese fans. “Unfortunately, I had some problems, but this is part of football and my life,” Ronaldo said. “I am here with the Chinese fans and I will continue to be here. We are very sad and will return to make the Chinese people happy, that is my goal. I want to play for you. I hope you understand the circumstances of a football player.”
Ronaldo will have to race against time to make it back for the Riyadh Cup – a three-team friendly tournament, between three teams, including two Saudi Arabian clubs – Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Inter Miami. Here, Al Nassr will play Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on February 1 and then Al Hilal – Neymar’s club – on February 7. Both matches will be played at the Kingdom Stadium in Riyadh.
