The recently unveiled statue of the football player of Manchester United and the Portuguese national team Cristiano Ronaldo has received criticism in India.
A 410 kg plinth was erected in Calangute in the western state of Goa, where the Red Devils player is very popular. At the same time, Goa is a former Portuguese colony that was annexed to India 60 years ago.
Some residents in the Indian state find it offensive to set up a plinth. The fact is that 60 years ago Goa became independent from Portuguese rule. This happened 14 years after the rest of India became independent from Britain.
– It is sacrilege to install a statue of a Portuguese footballer this year. We condemn this. Goa has many freedom fighters who are offended by this, activist Guru Shirodkar said.
Other opponents of the Ronaldo pedestal argue that the local footballers should be honored, especially since there are Goans among the former and current members of the Indian national team.
– I was very disappointed when I heard about the statue of Ronaldo. Learn to be proud of our own legends like Samir Naik and Bruno Coutinho, & # 8212; said a local resident to the IANS news agency.
The Times of India reported that during the statue's unveiling ceremony, some people waved black flags in protest.
Local MP from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Michael Lobo tweeted a picture of himself with the statue, saying that it was erected & # 8221; at the request of our youth & # 8220; to inspire them & # 8220; take football to great heights & # 8221; . Ronaldo himself has not yet commented on the opening of the podium.
The most popular sport in India is cricket, but in a number of regions, in particular in the states of Goa and Kerala, the English Premier is very popular. league, which is now represented by 36-year-old Cristiano.
