Beijing: French football star Kylian Mbappé apologised on Tuesday for comments that appeared to refer to Mao Zedong, China's founding leader, as a dictator, saying he understood that his words had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappé said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I apologize to everyone, my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry,” he said.
The apology came after a video appearing to show Mbappé referring to Mao as a dictator circulated online. Three Chinese companies — beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese maker Milkground — have announced they are ending agreements with the footballer.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas also apologised on Tuesday over the alleged comments. In a statement shared on X, he said the organisation deeply regretted the remarks, which had “caused discomfort and offense in China”.
“We are taking the measures within our reach and working directly with our partners and interlocutors in China to overcome this situation,” Tebas said. “A relationship built over so many years cannot be damaged by a single episode.”
LaLiga said Mbappé's comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the organisation. It also said it would establish a “communication protocol” for players and clubs while working with stakeholders in China to prevent similar incidents.
(With agency inputs from AP via PTI, Reuters)