Ronaldo smiles as he poses for Juventus team photo shoot after denying rape claim
Portuguese ace Ronaldo, 33, posed for official team pics today as he 'firmly' denied allegations he raped a model in 2009
CRISTIANO Ronaldo smiled alongside his Juventus teammates today as he battles bombshell rape allegations.
The Portuguese ace, 33, lined up for an official photoshoot today as he hit back at claims he raped a model at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.
Kathryn Mayorga, 34, also claims she was paid a £287,000 settlement forbidding her from repeating the rape allegations.
But she went public on Saturday to give a scathing interview in Der Spiegel — in which she alleged the footballer attacked her in a plush penthouse while she screamed "no, no, no".
Ronaldo vehemently denies the claims made in bombshell court documents that emerged on Saturday — branding them "fake news".
And the £100million star today doubled down on his denial — insisting he had never committed what he called an "abominable crime".
In his most impassioned defence yet, Ron wrote on Twitter: "I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me.
"Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.
"Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense."
He added: "My clear conscious will thereby allow me to await with tranquillity the results of any and all investigations.”
But the forward refused to let the claims get in the way of his team duties today as he posed with fellow stars Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic and Douglas Costa.
He also signed autographs on merchandise for the Juventus faithful amid the ongoing storm.
Last night Ronaldo's family came out in his support as he watched his team take on Young Boys in the Champions League from the sidelines.
He was joined by girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez, son Cristiano Jr and mum Dolores Aveiro as the Italian giants smashed their Swiss rivals 3-0 thanks to a Paulo Dybala hat-trick.
Ronaldo was serving a one-match ban after being red-carded against Valencia last week in the Group H European opener.
Yesterday The Sun Online published the first footage of Ronaldo dancing with his rape accuser hours before she claims he raped her.
Budding model Ms Mayorga was working in Rain nightclub, inside the Palms Casino Resort and met the star in the venue’s VIP area.
Ms Mayorga, 34, claims the Portuguese footballer later invited her to join him in his jacuzzi before attacking her — before allegedly apologising and saying he is "usually a gentleman".
MOST READ IN SPORT
Ronaldo's lawyers have threatened to sue German mag Der Spiegel, where the story emerged, for substantial damages over the “blatantly illegal” claims.
The Juventus star also hit back at the slurs himself, telling his followers during an Instagram live video: “No, no, no, no, no. What they said today? Fake, fake news.
“They want to promote (themselves by using) my name. It’s normal.
"They want to be famous to say my name, but it is part of the job. I am a happy man and all good.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.