'I won't do it again' - Cristiano Ronaldo admits obscene gesture to Al-Shabab fans was a 'mistake' after serving suspension at Al-Nassr for 'emotional' response to Lionel Messi chants

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner received a Saudi Pro League suspension in February after his obscene gesture towards Al-Shabab fans, who chanted Lionel Messi's name towards the Portuguese forward after Al-Nassr's 3-2 win. He apologized but continued to defend his actions by claiming that the same thing would have gone unnoticed in Europe.

Speaking at a press conference, the former Real Madrid forward reiterated his stance, but also promised not to repeat the gesture. "I will always respect the cultures of all countries, as I have respected to this day, but not always what people see is reality," he said. "As I said and I will say again, it is obvious that I will not do it again in this country, but in Europe, it is very normal. Sometimes the passion and excitement of the game leads us to make some mistakes."

The suspension saw the former Manchester United player miss Al-Nassr's high-scoring 4-4 draw against Al-Hazm. Al-Nassr currently sit second in the league but 12 points away from Al-Hilal, who have seemingly run away with the league title. Ronaldo has hit 22 goals in 21 appearances in the league for Al-Nassr this season, but they haven't been consistent enough as a collective to get to the top of the table.

The Portugal captain will be in action again for Al-Nassr in a crucial second-leg clash against Al-Ain in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. Al-Nassr will have to come back from a 1-0 deficit at Al-Awwal Stadium on Monday, March 11.