Pakistan, Oct. 27 -- Kylian Mbappe has apologised to the Chinese people after his comments about former leader Mao Zedong triggered widespread backlash. The Real Madrid forward addressed the controversy on Tuesday, acknowledging that his remarks had offended people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. The 27-year-old French football star also expressed respect for China's people and history. His apology follows the loss of several commercial partnerships with major Chinese companies.

"My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," Mbappe said in a statement. He added that he apologised to everyone who felt upset by his words. The controversy began aft...