‘Freedom fighters insulted’: Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue causes controversy in Goa

Srinagar: Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo is hugely popular in Goa but his recently erected statue has created a stir in the western state of the country.

Though the authorities say the statue was put up following ‘requests’ from the youth, others have placed objections as Goa was a former Portuguese colony.

They also feel that the government should have honoured the local football players instead of Ronaldo.

“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,” a local was quoted as having said by the IANS.

National media reports also said black flags were waved in protest during the recent inauguration of the statue.

“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,” the IANS quoted right-wing activist Guru Shirodkar as having said.

Michael Lobo, a local lawmaker in the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state, said the statue had been unveiled following the request of youth.

While tweeting a photograph, he said it had been installed “at the request of our youth” to inspire them “to take football to greater heights”.

Cristiano Ronaldo has got lots of fans in Goa as well as elsewhere in India. The 36 year old is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester United and captains the Portugal national team.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Monitor staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)