Spanish football club Real Madrid has issued an official apology to China following remarks by its forward Kylian Mbappé, the website infohub.kz reports.
Real Madrid published an official statement on its Instagram account addressing the scandal involving Mbappé in China.
"Real Madrid Football Club apologizes to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by recent remarks made by our player Kylian Mbappé. Our club holds China, its history, culture and citizens, as well as the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid, in the deepest respect," the statement said.
The club joined Kylian Mbappé's public apology, in which the player expressed regret over his words.
"Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence and mutual understanding between cultures and wishes to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and affection that unite the club with China and its citizens," the club concluded.
It is recalled that Kylian Mbappé earlier spoke in an interview about his favorite internet memes. Some of his comments were perceived as offensive toward China.
Mbappé said his favorite meme was his face edited with a graphic editor and superimposed on the face of a certain "Chinese dictator." The footballer subsequently lost partnerships with several Chinese companies.
In addition, Chinese television refused to broadcast Spanish league matches and advertising materials featuring Mbappé.
After the incident, Kylian Mbappé said his joke about Mao Zedong, after which he was canceled in China, was ill-considered.