Cristiano Ronaldo's sister has spoken out in support of the Manchester United player amid the continued reaction for his alleged involvement in a phone smashing incident at Goodison Park on Saturday. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner looked to knock an object out of the hand of a teenager as he made his way back to the dressing room after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat by Everton on Sunday.

A police inquiry has been launched into the incident, and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has already apologized on social media. It came after the Portugal captain and his colleagues were recorded leaving the field at Goodison Park by 14-year-old Everton fan Jake Harding as they walked away from the stadium.

Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses to assist them with their inquiry, while Jake's mother Sarah has turned down their offers of apologies. However, as the outpouring of criticism continues, Ronaldo's sister Elma Aveiro, who is a vocal admirer of the world-famous United striker, has come to his defense.

An image of Ronaldo, together with the statement translated from Portuguese, was posted in a lengthy post on social networking platform Instagram by the woman. "She is the most gorgeous human being I have ever met in my life," it said. Love and respect are instilled in me by my entire family. A light that only affects individuals who are accustomed to being in the dark.

"My dear brother, you are under no need to prove anything to anyone or to provide an answer afterwards in order to put everyone at ease. I'm madly in love with you. "The rest is just that, the rest."

'I would like to express my regret for my reaction and, if feasible, invite this supporter to Old Trafford to attend a game as an expression of fair play and sportsmanship,' Ronaldo wrote in his apology.

Since rejoining Manchester United in the summer of 2016, Ronaldo has scored 18 goals in all competitions. There have been only four of them since the start of the year.