Juventus supports Ronaldo but Nike ‘concerned’ by rape issue

Italian champions Juventus on Thursday (Friday in Manila) said rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo do not change their opinion of their superstar player, but US sportswear giant Nike said it was “deeply concerned”.

The Portuguese striker “has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus”, the team said on Twitter, breaking their silence over the claims made by an American model.

“The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion.”

Juventus later posted a video on YouTube and Twitter showing Ronaldo working up a sweat as he trained with his teammates at the team’s Continassa center in Turin for Saturday’s league game against Udinese.

“Juventus go for goal. Cristiano Ronaldo finds the target!” read the caption beside the video.

The defending Serie A champion's tweets were widely panned on social media as “shockingly dismissive and insensitive”.

“You’d expect a more nuance and sensitive approach from such a mega organization,” said one typical tweet.

The player’s powerful commercial backers, including Nike, also expressed fears over the controversy.

“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” a Nike spokesman told AFP.

According to Forbes magazine, Ronaldo is one of only three athletes to have been given a lifetime deal with Nike, joining an elite club also including NBA icons LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

EA Sports, for whom Ronaldo is a leading figure in their phenomenally successful FIFA video game market, also described the allegations as “concerning”.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA’s values,” the group said in a statement.

The rape allegations have threatened the reputation of one of the world’s best and highly- paid footballers, with Las Vegas police this week saying they would reopen their file on the case.

The star denies accusations by former model Kathryn Mayorga that he raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in June 2009 and said his conscience is clear.