Cristiano Ronaldo Speaks out On Russia-Ukraine Crisis with Powerful Statement

• Manchester United recently terminated their sponsorship deal with Russia's national airline Aeroflot
• As more sports stars continue to speak out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Cristiano Ronaldo became the lates high profile star to address the situation
• The United forward took to his Instagram with a subtle prayer for peace, saying there was a need to create a better world ‘for our children'

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken up for the first time about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Ronaldo, who recently hit the remarkable milestone of 400 million followers on Instagram, took to the photo-sharing platform to subtly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On Thursday, February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine by land, sea and air, a move that sparked explosive reactions across the sporting world.

Amid varying reactions from different sports stars, Ronaldo became the highest-profile player to react to the current situation in Eastern Europe, saying:

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“We need to create a better world for our children. Praying for peace in our world.”

Ronaldo’s statement came at the back of Manchester United ending the sponsorship with Russian airline Aeroflot.

According to GOAL, a Manchester United spokesperson said on Friday:

"In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected."

Rangnick’s take on Russia-Ukraine crisis

Ahead of United’s clash with Watford on Saturday, interim boss Ralf Rangnick also weighed in on the current situation in Ukraine, terming it a ‘human disaster’.

“Everybody has the same opinion about what’s happening there,” the gaffer said.

“This is a human disaster what’s happened there for all of the people involved.

“Right now, as far as I can tell, the situation in Russia and especially in Moscow is relatively safe but that doesn’t change the whole situation which is desperately sad.

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Russia stripped of Champions League final

Meanwhile, the 2022 Champions League final has been moved from Russia to France after an extraordinary meeting by UEFA on Friday, February 25.

As far as sports is concerned, pressure is mounting to axe Russia from major events, with the Russia's Formula 1 Grand Prix recently getting cancelled.

The International Olympic Committee has also called on any sporting events set to take place in either Russia or Belarus to be cancelled.