Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence and APOLOGISES for X-rated gesture at fans chanting ‘Messi’ that got him ban and fine
CRISTIANO RONALDO has finally apologized for a rude gesture at fans.
The Al Nassr hero was banned for one game and fined £6,3000 for an arm signal in response to “Messi” taunts from Al Shabab supporters last month.
The legend, 39, has spoken out to claim his action was “very normal” in Europe – but has promised not to do it again while in Saudi Arabia.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid attacker, who earns £170million a year, blamed his behaviour on the “passion” of football.
The Portugal star told a press conference: “I will always respect the cultures of all countries, as I have respected to this day, but not always what people see is reality.
“As I said and I will say again, it is obvious that I will not do it again in this country, but in Europe, it is very normal.
“Sometimes the passion and excitement of the game leads us to make some mistakes.”
Ronaldo‘s hand-waving gesture came at the end of a 3-2 Saudi Pro League victory at Al Shabab in which he hit a penalty opener.
Home supporters had chanted “Messi Messi” at him, leading to Ron making an X-rated move.
His resulting suspension meant he missed a 4-4 draw with Al Hazm four days later on February 29.
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Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr remain second, 12 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
They face Al-Ain in the Asian Champions League quarter final on Monday
The UAE side lead 1-0 lead from the first leg – but Ronaldo has fired a rousing message for the return match.
He said: “We will not spare any drop of sweat for the fans of Al Nassr. Tomorrow, remontada!”
That last word is Spanish for fight-back and is often used in sport.