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Al Nassr forced to cancel tour of China because of Cristiano Ronaldo

talksport.com, 23 January 2024, 15:15
Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a public apology after suffering an injury that has resulted in Al-Nassr cancelling their tour of China.

The 38-year-old has picked up a muscle injury that would have ruled him out of the double header against Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijang.

Sadly, for Ronaldo's adoring fans in the Far East, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will not feature in the two-game tour.

As a result of the injury, the decision has been taken to postpone both games and rearrange them for a future date as Ronaldo faces a possible two weeks in the treatment room.

The injury could also throw into doubt his much-anticipated reunion with Lionel Messi when Inter Miami travel to Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Cup.

Speaking about his withdrawal, Ronaldo said: "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.

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"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 problems, 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."

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Al Nassr are currently on a mid-season break from domestic duties and had scheduled a host of fixtures, including the clash with Inter Miami on February 1.

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Ronaldo and his teammates return to competitive action when they take on Al Feiha in the AFC Champions League on February 14.

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