The sister of Cristiano Ronaldo, Katia Aveiro, has made a furious attack to defend the Portugal captain upon the storm of criticism that erupted soon after he made an unplanned visit to the White House and dined with the former U.S. President Donald Trump. The detractors of Ronaldo were labeled as hypocritical by Aveiro, who openly took sides with her brother on social media, arguing that football must not be a political issue.
Aveiro took a stand in a fiery Instagram post claiming that Ronaldo is making the appearance in Washington be hyped up by individuals that, in her opinion, are excessively concerned with his personal choices. She emphasized that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has never identified himself with political beliefs and he should not be condemned to take an invitation.
Yells, you are all hypocrites, she wrote. Cristiano began by the quote Cristiano had not joined any party, or ideology, but instead worked hard, something unknown to many of his opposing sides. Aveiro further emphasised that despite his humble background and his heritage as a national figure, Ronaldo is not properly valued by his critics, and he has done a lot to Portugal and the world football.
Ronaldo was earlier this week at the White House as a Saudi delegation is on a trip in the United States. In the visit, Trump showed his thanks to Ronaldo and disclosed that his son, Barron Trump, has been an ardent follower of the football legend. Trump said, “Barron had the privilege to meet him. I believe he now respects his father a bit more.
The visit was the first occasion in a long time that Ronaldo was in the United States, since 2016, when he toured the country on pre-season preparations alongside Real Madrid. Though the visit was not planned as a political one, it still created controversy among the commentators and layers of the population.
Aveiro, however, was clear about the fact that Ronaldo is not daunted. She wondered how critics can expect an international athlete after over twenty years in the limelight to explain all his personal decisions. Her message made clear the fact that at 40 years, Ronaldo still lives his life the way he wants it to be irrespective of what people think of him.
