Sculptor of Cristiano Ronaldo statue defends his work

The sculptor who created a statue of Cristiano Ronaldo has defended his work after the portrayal of the football star was ridiculed on social media.

Emanuel Santos told Portuguese broadcaster Globo that the bust, unveiled on the Portuguese island of Madeira, was "not as simple as it seems" to create and a "was a matter of taste".

Santos reportedly said that the Portugal and Real Madrid footballer saw photos of the sculpture before it was unveiled and had asked for a few minor changes.

"He only asked for some wrinkles that gave him a certain expression in his face when he's about to laugh to be changed," he said.

Santos brushed off the criticism and claims that it looked nothing like Ronaldo.

"It is impossible to please the Greeks and Trojans. Neither did Jesus please everyone," Santos said.

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