Real Madrid has apologised to China over comments made by Kylian Mbappe about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The Spanish club issued a statement on Wednesday, a day after the French striker apologised personally for referring to Mao as a “Chinese dictator” during an interview.
“Real Madrid CF wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappe,” the club said.
The club said it holds deep respect for China, its history, culture and citizens, as well as for millions of Chinese fans who support the team.
Mbappe had sparked outrage in China after a clip from French show The Bridge surfaced online, where he laughed about a meme that put his face on Mao’s image. The clip has since been deleted.
The France captain apologised on Tuesday in English, French and Chinese, saying his comment was ill-judged and he now understands it hurt many people in China and Chinese communities worldwide.
The row has already cost Mbappe at least three Chinese sponsorship deals and led to China Media Group suspending La Liga broadcasts.
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