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Real Madrid on Wednesday issued an apology after its French forward Kylian Mbappe sparked a fierce backlash over his comments referring to late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator.
"Real Madrid CF wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappe," Real said in a statement.
"Our club maintains a deep respect for China, its history, its culture and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid," the statement added.
China said it "takes seriously" Mbappe's apology following the fierce backlash over his comments.
When asked what China thought of Mbappe's apology, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: "We take seriously the apology that the person has made."
Guo did not elaborate on the comment.
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