FIFA president Sepp Blatter has written a letter of apology to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez over comments mocking Cristiano Ronaldo, the BBC reports.
Madrid reacted angrily after Blatter made a joke at Ronaldo’s expense while addressing the Oxford Union on Friday.
Asked to compare the Madrid player with Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, Blatter said: “One has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other.”
Blatter explained to Perez he had meant the comment as an “amusing” aside.
In his letter, the FIFA president added that he has “huge respect” for the former Manchester United forward.
He has also apologized for any offence that may have been caused.
“I want to clarify that for me Cristiano Ronaldo is at the same level as Messi and they are both outstanding players, each in their own way. Sorry that this situation produced in a university event hurt as much and I apologize for it,” he wrote.
“It was never my intention to embarrass or disrespect to Real Madrid, or one of their players or their fans.”
