Real Madrid aim to mend Mbappe diplomatic row with grovelling apology to China

Real Madrid have issued a grovelling apology to “the Chinese people” in a bid to soothe the diplomatic row caused by star Kylian Mbappe’s “dictator” remarks about Mao Zedong. Chinese media have confirmed they are suspending their £20m-a-year broadcast deal with the Spanish league after rejecting apologies from both Mbappe and LaLiga yesterday. Mbappe sparked outrage by saying he enjoyed a meme of him depicted as the late Chairman Mao, the founder of modern China, who he referred to as “a guy I think he was a Chinese dictator . Now Real Madrid have publicly expressed their contrition over a row which has also cost the France striker multiple personal sponsorship deals with Chinese brands. “Real Madrid C F wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappe,” the club said. “Our club holds deep respect for China, its history, its culture, and its citizens, as well as for the mil