Ronaldo injured; status for friendly vs. Messi, Inter Miami unknown - ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo issued a public apology after he suffered an injury that contributed to Al Nassr's postponement of their preseason tour of China, while his fitness status ahead of a showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on Feb. 1 is unknown.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner did not specify of the extent of the calf injury that ruled him out of fixtures against Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday and Zhejiang on Sunday.

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«Well, guys, for me, today's a sad day. Because I want to say sorry to the Chinese fans, especially in Shenzhen. Because as you know, in football, some things you cannot control,» Ronaldo told a news conference.

«As you know, I played 22 years in football and I'm the player who doesn't have too many injuries. So I'm really sad, because Al Nassr and myself, we come here to China to enjoy the tour.

»I [have come] to China since 2003, 2004. So I feel [at] home here. I feel this is my second home not only because of the welcome of the Chinese people, but the culture that you have from me. I felt that I'm always [welcome], especially here in that country. So as you can see, I feel sad. I know you are sad, too, especially the people who love Cristiano.

«But we have to see this in a good way. When I say in a good way, I mean, we [have] not canceled the game. We're going to postpone the game. We want to be back here to your country. We will be back.»

Al Nassr looked to take advantage of the Saudi Pro League's midseason break to play fixtures against the Chinese teams before a match against Miami in Riyadh, where two of the game's greatest-ever players are due to face off for perhaps the final time in their respective careers.

«We came here in [Shenzhen] with a