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Real Madrid apologized to the Chinese people Wednesday following Kylian Mbappe’s remarks that were considered to be disrespectful of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China.
Madrid’s apology came a day after Mbappe expressed regret over his comments amid a fallout over the issue.
“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 Mbappe,” the club said in a statement.
“Our club holds deep respect for China, its history, its culture, and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid.”
In an online interview, Mbappe had talked about his favourite meme of himself and apparently referred to Mao Zedong as “a Chinese dictator.”
There was immediate backlash and the France striker lost brand deals with at least three different Chinese companies. He later said his comment was “ill-judged” and “I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities” around the world.
Madrid said it “joins the public apology” expressed by Mbappe.
“Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures, and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that unite it with China and its citizens,” the club said.
This photo illustration shows French football star Kylian Mbappe’s Chinese social media Weibo account displaying the message: “The user has been banned from following due to violating laws of the Weibo Community Convention”, in Shanghai on Wednesday. (Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images)
China Media Group (CMG) had said it suspended broadcasts of matches in the Spanish league and other games featuring the superstar player, and demanded an apology from La Liga, Mbappe and Madrid.
CMG said it received the apology from Madrid, without adding further comment.
The Spanish league has also apologized.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it took Mbappe’s apology “seriously” but it remained to be seen whether it would help him regain the brand deals or other businesses he lost Tuesday.