Juventus support Ronaldo as Nike concerned by rape claim

World
Europe

Italian champions Juventus on Thursday broke their silence over rape allegations against their superstar player Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the claims made by an American model do not change their opinion of the Portuguese striker, but US sportswear giant Nike said it was "deeply concerned."

"Cristiano Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus," the defending Serie A champions said on Twitter.

"The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion."

Screenshot from Juventus' Twitter account.

Screenshot from Juventus' Twitter account

Juventus later posted a video on YouTube and Twitter showing Ronaldo working up a sweat as he trained with his teammates at the team's Continassa centre in Turin for Saturday's league game against Udinese.

"Juventus go for goal. Cristiano Ronaldo finds the target!," read the caption beside the video.

Juventus' tweets were widely trolled on social media as "shockingly dismissive and insensitive."

Screenshot from Juventus' Twitter account

"You'd expect a more nuanced and sensitive approach from such a mega organisation," said a Twitter user, while the player's powerful commercial backers also expressed fears over the allegations.

Nike said it was "deeply concerned" by the controversy surrounding their star client.

"We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation."

According to Forbes magazine, Ronaldo is one of only three athletes to have been given a lifetime deal with Nike, joining an elite club whose other members are NBA icons LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

EA Sports, for whom Ronaldo is a leading figure in their phenomenally successful FIFA video game market, also described the allegations as "concerning."

"We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values," the group said in a statement.

Ronaldo to miss Portugal internationals

The rape allegations have threatened the reputation of the Portuguese star, although he denies accusations.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball during the 2018 World Cup round of 16 match against Uruguay, June 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal's next four internationals, the national coach Fernando Santos said on Thursday, days after rape allegations against the Juventus star resurfaced.

Santos told a press conference that he and the president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) Fernando Gomes talked to Ronaldo and "we agreed that the player was not available for this or the next call up."

"I will not reveal the details of the conversation we three had," said Santos when pressed by reporters.

Asked about the allegations, Santos defended the player. "I know Cristiano Ronaldo very well and I fully believe his word when he says he would never commit a crime like this."

Ronaldo hasn't played for Portugal football team since their loss to Uruguay at the 2018 World Cup, missing two games against Italy and Croatia at Nations League in September.

Source(s): AFP