During the press conference on the evening of January 23, the representative of the tour organizer confirmed that Al Nassr’s matches against Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang Greentown on January 24 and 28 will be canceled because Cristiano Ronaldo cannot play. All fans’ ticket and hotel costs will be refunded.
“This is a really sad day. I want to apologize to Chinese fans,” Ronaldo shared at the press conference.
“China is like my second home. I know you are very sad. Me too. I am a player who has not been injured often during my 22 years of playing. But there are things that suddenly happen that we cannot control,” the superstar born in 1985 added.
In addition, Ronaldo said he and his teammates were very grateful for the warm welcome of Chinese fans, and promised to come back again. However, he could not determine the exact time.
Previously, Saudi Arabian media reported that Ronaldo was injured. The proof is that this player had to bandage his thigh during a training session. It cannot be ruled out that CR7 has had problems with his thigh muscles or hamstrings. This pain forced the former Man United star to miss at least 2 weeks. Ronaldo is even at risk of missing the friendly match between Al Nassr and Inter Miami taking place on February 1.
Al Nassr leader chose a safe option to help Ronaldo have time to recover from his injury. After the Asian Cup and CAN end, the capital city of Riyadh will enter the most important phase of the season with the goal of competing for titles in the two main arenas, Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League.
