Police have released a statement after Cristiano Ronaldo's statue in Madeira, where he was born and brought up, was set on fire earlier this week. A video shared on Instagram by user ‘Zaino.tcc.filipe’ went viral overnight with a young man seen dousing the bronze sculpture in a flammable liquid before setting it alight outside the CR7 Museum in the Madeiran capital Funchal.
The individual then stops to dance in front of the camera before making his exit away from the replica of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, sharing the video alongside the ominous message (Watch the incident below):
"This is God’s last warning @cristiano"
Ronaldo, now playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, attended the unveiling of the statue in 2014 and described the moment as very special. The statue was moved to its current location outside the museum after it was vandalised by Lionel Messi fans a decade ago, back in 2016.
Police Release Statement After Ronaldo Statue Vandalism
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese authorities have now confirmed an arrest has been made. The Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police said in a statement, as per The Metro:
"Following the events that recently occurred near the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal, it was possible to successfully resolve the situation. The police authority thanks the public for their contribution, which was also essential to the outcome of this operation."
It added: "The PSP publicly thanks all citizens who, responsibly and promptly, reported the incident and shared relevant information. This collaboration proved crucial for the rapid identification and interception of the individual in question, allowing for effective and proportionate action."
The Statue Was Also Vandalised in 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
In 2016, with Ronaldo still at the peak of his powers at Real Madrid, the statue was vandalised with those responsible daubing ‘Messi 10’ on the back in red paint - in reference to his eternal battle with the Argentine superstar for the title of best footballer on the planet. Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveito, suggested those responsible ‘should move to Syria’ before it was moved to its new location.
She raged, as per The Sun: “I find the act in itself a dishonour but what I find more shameful is the envy that surrounds him and the rage that some unloved and frustrated fatheads display in public in a disgraceful way which leaves me as a Portuguese person ashamed and sad.
“The people that are responsible for this and other negative things directed towards this person should know that our island was recently voted the world’s leading island destination not just for the beautiful sea that surrounds us or for our marvellous gastronomy or even the warm Madeiran welcome. It was in part thanks to this great Madeiran figure that honours his origins."
“Sadly my beautiful island is still inhabited by some frustrated savages who should live in Syria amidst people who don’t respect each other and who don’t know how to live together."