Confusion and Anger in India As New Cristiano Ronaldo Statue Leaves Fans Protesting at Unveiling

• Cristiano Ronaldo’s bust has been unveiled in India and it is causing protests among local fans in the country
• A statue of CR7 was installed in western Goa state as the organisers hope the monument will help to inspire young people
• The idea has been criticised as fans claim local footballers should have been celebrated instead of the Portuguese

Indians are protesting over a statue of Cristiano Ronaldo which was unveiled in the country as it seems not to go down well with football fans in the region, Daily Star reports.

Ronaldo’s statue is ripping India apart, although some supporters thronged the venue to see how it was being unveiled.

The infamous bust of the Portuguese striker was installed in western Goa state and reports claim the organisers hope the monument will help to inspire young people.

On the other hand, critics say local footballers should have been celebrated since most players that have made up the national team are from Goa.

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A local Goan told the IANS news agency via Manchester Evening News:

"Very disappointed to hear of the statue of Ronaldo being erected. Learn to take pride in our own icons like Samir Naik and Bruno Coutinho.”

Some believe it is offensive to install the statue during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Goa winning freedom from Portuguese rule.

IANS quoted right-wing activist Guru Shirodkar as saying:

"To erect a statue of a Portuguese footballer this year is sacrilegious. We condemn this. There are many freedom fighters in Goa who have been insulted."

Agbonlahor blasts Ronaldo

Meanwhile, a former Aston Villa star Gabriel Agbonlahor has disclosed that some Manchester United youngsters feel intimidated by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

CR7 dumped Italian side Juventus and returned to the Old Trafford club during the summer, but despite that, United seem to be struggling in their performances.

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Agbonlahor is unimpressed with the Portuguese striker and has called on United interim boss Ralf Rangnick to drop the 36-year-old to the bench following their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

According to the former English player, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho are intimidated by Ronaldo’s presence in the squad.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has snubbed his own teammates to name Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah as the best player in the Premier League this year.

Pulisic, who is currently in his third year in the English topflight reckons Salah is easily in a class above the rest after a record-breaking run of form with the Reds.

The Egyptian has scored a mouthwatering 22 goals in just 24 matches this season to help Liverpool keep pace with league leaders, Man City, and cruise into the Champions League knockout stages.