Al Nassr Cancel Games In China After Cristiano Ronaldo Injury

Al Nassr have called off two friendly matches in China after an injury made Cristiano Ronaldo unable to participate. Al Nassr and Ronaldo have both apologized.

Al Nassr have called off two planned friendly matches in China this week after an injury made star player Cristiano Ronaldo unable to participate.

The Saudi Pro League side had been scheduled to face Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday and Zhejiang on Sunday.

Thousands of tickets had already been sold for both matches, with local fans excited to see 38-year-old Ronaldo in the flesh.

But Ronaldo recently suffered a muscular injury, so Al Nassr decided to abandon the tour, although the plan is to return to China at a later date once the former Real Madrid forward is fit again.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in China on Monday but Al Nassr have since canceled this week's planned matches against Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang due to their star player suffering an injury :: IMAGO/VCG

A club statement issued on Tuesday read: "We are sad to announce that, unfortunately, and for reasons beyond Al Nassr's control, the event comprised of two matches scheduled on the 24th and 28th of January has been postponed to a date to be defined.

"We came here in Shenzen with a lot of respect for Chinese football fans and specifically for the fans of Ronaldo. Taking this into consideration, in addition to the tight relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China, we, Al Nassr, are willing to complete our training camp as planned in Shenzhen, a city that has warmly welcomed us and shown so much love for us and our Captain.

"Furthermore, we have agreed with the organizer to schedule a new match as soon as possible.

"Al Nassr Club has always shown and proved its unconditional commitment with this event and has travelled with its full squad including Cristiano Ronaldo in order to participate in this tour.

"We love our Chinese fans, and we are looking forward to playing for them as soon as possible."

Ronaldo later attended a press conference and delivered a public apology to disappointed Chinese fans.

Club Statement about #AlNassrChinaTour2024 🇨🇳#利雅得胜利中国行 pic.twitter.com/QFnhiyV3py

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 23, 2024

"As you know, in football some things you cannot control," said Ronaldo. "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 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."

Al Nassr will return to Saudi Arabia later this week ahead of games against Al-Hilal and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in a mini exhibition tournament.

Saudi soccer is currently midway through its winter break. Al Nassr's next competitive match will take place on February 14 when Ronaldo and Co are due to face Al Feiha in the AFC Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo pictured on Al Nassr's tour bus in China on Tuesday :: IMAGO/VCG