Panaji: Protest against the erection of a statue of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in Goa. The statue of Ronaldo was erected in Calangute, Goa. The Goan government’s response was that the statue was erected to inspire the new generation.
The protest was aimed at honoring the star from the former colonial power that ruled Goa. After the installation of the statue, those who came with black flags were protesting on the spot. They alleged that an Indian sportsperson was not selected to erect the statue.
Mickey Fernandes, a former Indian international in Goa, said the erection of the statue of Ronaldo was “painful” and the result of a hangover from the Portuguese regime. He is the best player in the world. But we need a statue of a football player from Goa, ”he added.
Meanwhile, Goa minister and BJP leader Michael Lobo said the statue of Ronaldo was erected to inspire the younger generation and would be a great inspiration to youngsters starting to play football.
The best ground and football stadium will be built in Goa. There are a lot of talented players. “If they are well trained, a Ronaldo will be born in India,” he added.
The statue of Ronaldo was erected by the Goan government at a cost of around Rs 12 lakh. Opposition groups called for a boycott of the assembly.
.