Sharjah24 – AFP: A statue of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a stir in the southern Indian state of Goa, with locals accusing officials of insensitivity for honouring a sports star from the region's former colonial power.
Protesters with black flags gathered at the site after the statue was unveiled this week in the town of Calangute.
They expressed anger that authorities had shunned Indian sports stars and chosen a player from Portugal, which granted Goa independence in 1961.
Most of present-day India gained independence in 1947.
But Portugal's then military dictatorship only relinquished Goa following an invasion by the Indian army and a two-day war in 1961.
Portugal's centuries-long influence remains visible in local architecture, particularly the many churches. Many people in Goa have Portuguese-origin surnames.
Unlike in most of India, many Goans prefer football to cricket -- and many support Portugal in international tournaments such as the World Cup.
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