Cristiano Ronaldo statue set on fire in Madeira as Police arrest vandal

Police in Portugal have arrested a vandal after he set fire to Cristiano Ronaldo's statue in home island of Madeira. He dropped a strong message to the Al-Nassr skipper with a video on social media.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the youth shared a video of pouring a flammable liquid on the statue and setting it on fire, which quickly died down. He danced in front of the statue just as the fire started to die down, showing it the middle finger multiple times.

The Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police has since announced that they have identified the person responsible and arrested him. They shared a statement to the media and said:

"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. 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."

It was not the first instance where Cristiano Ronaldo's statue was vandalized. Lionel Messi fans were also responsible for it in 2017. Soon after the Ballon d'Or win, the Argentine fans painted the Portuguese superstar's statue, writing 'Messi 10' on the back.

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister slams Lionel Messi fans

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, was angry with the vandalism of the former Manchester United star's statue, labeling it an act of dishonor. She hit out at the fans responsible for it, adding that it has left her ashamed to be Portuguese. She wrote on her Facebook handle:

"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."

Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to respond on the recent vandalism of his statue, but is close to moving into his luxury house on the island soon.