Real Madrid have apologised to the Chinese people over comments made by forward Kylian Mbappé during a recent interview.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 28, the Spanish club expressed regret for any offence caused by the French international’s remarks and reaffirmed its respect for China, its culture and its citizens.
The apology comes a day after Mbappé publicly expressed regret, acknowledging that his comments had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé,” the club said.
Real Madrid also acknowledged the support of its millions of Chinese fans and said it backed Mbappé’s apology.
The club reaffirmed its commitment to respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures, adding that it hoped to strengthen its relationship with China.
The controversy has also affected Mbappé’s commercial partnerships in the country, with energy drink maker Dongpeng and dairy group Mengniu reportedly ending their sponsorship deals with the forward after a video circulated online showing him appearing to joke about Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
