FIFA president Sepp Blatter has written a letter of apology to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez over comments mocking Cristiano Ronaldo.

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 apologised for any offence that may have been caused.

Earlier on Tuesday, Real Madrid said Blatter’s comments lacked respect and that they were seeking a retraction.

Ronaldo has since taken to his Facebook page to express his anger, writing: “This shows clearly the respect and consideration that FIFA has for me, for my club and my country.”

Ronaldo and Barcelona star Messi are both on the 23-man shortlist for FIFA’s Ballon d’Or award, with the winner to be unveiled on 13 January in Zurich.

Messi has won the award for the past four years, with Ronaldo finishing runner-up to the Argentine in 2009, 2011 and 2012.