da marjack bet： Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a public apology after seeing his injury contribute to Al-Nassr cancelling their two-game tour of China.
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Portuguese nursing muscle complaintDecision taken not to play friendly gamesMatches will be rearranged for later dateWHAT HAPPENED?
The Portuguese superstar is nursing a muscle complaint that would have ruled him out of meetings with Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijang. As a result, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner unable to feature in front of an adoring fan base, the decision has been taken to postpone the friendly games in question at this point and rearrange them for a later date.
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It has been suggested that Ronaldo – who posted a world-leading 54 goals across his outings for Al-Nassr and Portugal in 2023 – could be facing up to a couple of weeks on the sidelines. If that were to be the case, then he could also miss a reunion with Lionel Messi when Inter Miami head to Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Cup.
Getty ImagesWHAT RONALDO SAID
For now, Ronaldo has said of unfortunate events in the Far East: “As you know, in football some things you cannot control. I have played 22 years in football and I am a player that doesn’t have too many injuries. So I’m really sad because Al-Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour. I have been coming to China since 2003/2004, so I feel at home here – my second home. I felt that I am always special here. I feel sad. I know you are sad too, especially the people who love Cristiano, but we have to see this in a good way. We have not cancelled the game, we want to push for the game and be back here. We will be back. Unfortunately, I have some problem, but this is part of football and my life. I’m here, I’m with the fans, I’m with the Chinese people and we are going to continue here. We can see outside the people that are with us. We are sad because we knew this could happen. We will be back to make the Chinese people happy, this is my goal. I want to play for you. Don’t be sad because I am sad and I hope you understand the circumstances of a football player.”
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO & AL-NASSR?
Al-Nassr have been enjoying a mid-season break, allowing them to head for China, but are having to tinker with their plans. They are due to face Messi and Inter Miami on February 1, before then tackling Al-Hilal a week later and returning to competitive action in the AFC Champions League against Al Feiha on February 14.