Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Vegas cops: We want to quiz Ronaldo over rape accusation
But player is out of the country
AMERICAN police have told the Mirror they want to question Cristiano Ronaldo about claims he raped a model in a penthouse suite.
Officers in Las Vegas aim to quiz the ex-manchester United star about the alleged sexual assault of Kathryn Mayorga, 34, at the Palms resort in 2009.
The case was reopened last week but as the player is abroad they are unsure when his statement will be taken.
Last night a Vegas police spokesman said: “We certainly do not know yet when it will happen… but at some point, we will have to listen to him.”
Police also confirmed they have still have Ms Mayorga’s medical sexual assault kit that was taken on the day of the alleged rape.
At the time of the alleged incident, Ms Mayorga refused to name her alleged attacker, instead opting to agree on a settlement with Ronaldo for £288,000 in return for not discussing the case.
But in August she approached Vegas police asking for the case to be reopened, this time naming her alleged attacker and providing more details of her claims.
The development came as Ronaldo, who strongly denies the allegations, enjoyed time in a rooftop bar in Lisbon, with his supportive girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. The Juventus footballer, 33, looked happy and cheerful as Ms Rodriguez, 23, lovingly stroked his hair in the 9th floor venue near his penthouse apartment in the Portuguese capital.
He had flown to his homeland for a secret meeting with his lawyers.
Ronaldo flew by private jet to his native country from Italy on Sunday after scoring for new side Juventus in their 2-0 win against Udinese.
He has been left out of Portugal’s squad for their games against Poland and Scotland later this week.
The decision was said to have been made by “mutual consent.”
He has also been ruled out of Portugal’s game in November against Italy.
Leading Portuguese daily Correio da Manha said the player was “determined to thoroughly prepare his defence” against Ms Mayorga’s claims.
He has already described the allegations as “fake news” and described rape as an “abominable crime”.
His mum Dolores and sister Katia posted pictures of him on social media in a Superman cape with the messages which read: “I want to see who has the courage to put this photo on their profile for a week and make a chain for him.”
Ms Rodriguez was herself in the headlines recently after it emerged her dad Jorge is a convicted drugs baron.
It is unclear whether Ronaldo will remain in Lisbon or visit his family in Madeira before returning to Italy.