This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke candidly about the challenges he faced in 2018, describing it as the most difficult year on a personal level.
According to Ronaldo, the year was marked by rape allegations, which were filed by former model Kathryn Mayorga in September 2018. Mayorga alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Ronaldo in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009.
The case was dismissed in a Nevada court in June, but the filing did not disclose whether Ronaldo had agreed to a settlement. Ronaldo has consistently denied the accusation, although he has acknowledged paying Mayorga in an earlier settlement.
"When people question your honour, it hurts," Ronaldo said, highlighting the emotional toll of the allegations. "It hurts a lot mainly because I have a big family, a wife and an intelligent child who understands a lot of things."
Despite the challenges, Ronaldo expressed pride in his innocence being proven, stating, "This is a case I'm not comfortable expressing myself on. But once again, my innocence has been proven. It makes me proud."
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