LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo says the rape allegation against him was an attack on his honour and led to one of the worst years of his life.

Ronaldo was accused of raping a woman in Las Vegas more than 10 years ago but won’t face criminal charges after it was determined the investigation failed to show the claim could be proven at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ronaldo told Portuguese television TVI on Tuesday that “2018 was probably my worst year ever, personally speaking.” He said that “when people question your honour, it hurts, it hurts a lot.”

The Juventus player did not directly talk about the 2009 accusation brought on by former model Kathryn Mayorga, an American who in a separate lawsuit says she was pressured to sign an agreement to keep quiet in exchange for $375,000.

He denies the accusation, although he has reportedly acknowledged that he paid Mayorga in an earlier settlement.

The case was dismissed in a Nevada court in June, though the filing did not say if Ronaldo had agreed a settlement.

The 34-year-old Ronaldo said he was not “comfortable speaking” about the case, “but when people attack your honour, it is difficult.”

“It hurts a lot mainly because I have a big family, a wife and an intelligent child who understands a lot of things,” he said.

“This is a case I’m not comfortable expressing myself on. But once again, my innocence has been proven. It makes me proud,” said the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2019