“Normal in Europe”
Ronaldo’s exciting gesture was a “misunderstanding”
March 11, 2024, 10:47 a.m
Cristiano Ronaldo is in trouble in Saudi Arabia: After an obscene gesture, the superstar is banned for one game. Now he is repentant: his gesture is “normal in Europe”, and in general it is all a “misunderstanding”. And he isn’t perfect either. A pattern develops.
After his ban for a gesture considered obscene in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted a mistake. “Sometimes the passion for the game and the enthusiasm leads to making mistakes,” said the 39-year-old Portugal national soccer player at a press conference. He is human and not perfect. “I didn’t do anything wrong intentionally. I always respect the customs and traditions of the countries.”
Ronaldo recently appeared to gesture towards opposing fans after his team Al Nassr’s 3-2 win against Al Shabab, making hand movements in the lumbar area. He had previously put his hand to his ear briefly after shouts of “Messi” came from the stands. Argentina’s World Cup winner Lionel Messi is Ronaldo’s long-time rival, particularly when it comes to awards for individual achievements. Ronaldo was banned for one game for his actions.
“What I did and what I was punished for was a misunderstanding. I respect the country where I live. This reaction is normal in Europe, but who doesn’t make mistakes in life?” Ronaldo added.
However, it wasn’t the first time Ronaldo made negative headlines during his time in the Persian Gulf. Just recently he put an Al-Hilal fan scarf into his pants on the way to the dressing room and threw it away shortly afterwards. Last April, after a loss to the same club, he grabbed his genitals after the game.