What happened: On December 29, the Portuguese football star’s statue was unveiled in Goa’s main city Panaji. The 400kg statue of Cristiano Ronaldo sparked a controversy in the country as Indian media reported that the local footballers should be promoted and their struggles should be highlighted. Details: Goa’s Minister for Science Michael Lobo tweeted, “For the love of football and at the request of our youth we put up Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue.. to inspire our youngsters.” On the other hand, protests were carried out in the city as black flags were seen among the protestors who chanted, “No to Cristiano.” Another Indian national footballer Micky Fernandes from Goa is quoted by the Times of India, “Unveiling Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue was a hurtful choice and is a hangover from the Portuguese rule.”
More: It is pertinent to mention that Goa was under the rule of the Portugues for nearly a hundred years before they got their independence. Whereas the Goans mostly prefer football over cricket, the Indians tweeted, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue reflects the colonial mindset.”