Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hometown Statue Vandalized With Lionel Messi Paint (Photo)
Why hit Cristiano Ronaldo so close to home at a time like this?
Many are asking that question in the aftermath of some high-profile, soccer-related vandalism.
Vandals painted Lionel Messi’s name and number in red on the back of the bronze statue of Ronaldo, which stands in Funchal, Madeira — the city on the Portuguese island on which Ronaldo was born and raised. The perpetrators defaced the Ronaldo statue Tuesday night — one day after Messi beat Funchal’s favorite son to win the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or Award.
Ronaldo statue in Portugal vandalised last night…… #Messi pic.twitter.com/KxoYcOgGWv
— Andy (@Andyriley88) January 12, 2016
Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveira blasted the vandalism, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
“This is a disgraceful act of vandalism in itself but just shows the levels of jealousy that exist,” Aveiro said, according to AS. “As a Portuguese citizen it embarrasses and saddens me. This island is clearly still inhabited by savages who have no respect and don’t know how to live in a respectable society.”
AS reports efforts to clean the paint off Ronaldo’s statue are underway.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@LeBuzzEurosport
