Cristiano Ronaldo has been underwhelming in his part to help promote the Real Madrid football club's brand in China this week.

Superstar footballer he may be, but his lack of enthusiasm and grace at a pre-match press conference has failed to impress journalists in China and footie fans alike.

Real Madrid are hoping to tap into the popularity European clubs enjoy in China, but Ronaldo's mumbled and one-word answers have angered many.

The vice president of one of China's leading sports publishers wrote "He always seems selfish and arrogant.....His behaviour won't help his cause in China." 

Many football fans took to the internet to have their say.

"I don't know whether Ronaldo can be the World Footballer of the Year, but I am just sure he will be condemned for what he did at the news conference," one wrote.