CRISTIANO RONALDO has finally apologized for a rude gesture at fans.
The Al-Nassr hero was banned for one game and fined £6,300 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.
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“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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
