A statue of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked outrage in the southern Indian state of Goa, with residents accusing officials of being insensitive in honoring a sports star from the region's former colonial power.

After the statue was unveiled this week in the town of Calangute, protesters carrying black flags gathered at the site.

They were outraged that the authorities had passed over Indian sports stars in favor of a player from Portugal, which granted Goa independence in 1961.

Micky Fernandes, a former Indian international player from Goa, described the decision as "hurting" and a "hangover" from Portuguese rule.

Protest Meeting "No to Christiano Ronaldo's statue at Calangute" by Goa for Goans. pic.twitter.com/XtB5MoBWOL

— SagarVarta (@SagarVarta) December 28, 2021

"Ronaldo is the best player in the world but still we should have a statue of a football player from Goa," Fernandes told AFP.

Michael Lobo, a local minister with India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, told AFP the aim was to inspire young people to excel, not just inside the country but internationally.

"All the boys and girls who want to make football a career will get inspired by people like Cristiano Ronaldo," Lobo said.

"If you pursue your dream and you're passionate about it then you can reach a higher goal. This is what we have written on the plaque."

Why the fuss?

Most of present-day India gained independence in 1947. However, Goa was only relinquished by Portugal's then-military dictatorship after an invasion by the Indian Army and a two-day war in 1961.

Portugal's centuries-long influence can still be seen in local architecture, particularly in the numerous churches. Many people in Goa have surnames of Portuguese origin.

Unlike the rest of India, many Goans prefer football to cricket, and many of them cheer on Portugal in international tournaments such as the World Cup.

"I follow (Portugal) too but when we have our own players we cannot put up a statue of someone from outside," Fernandes said.

This is not the first time a statue of Ronaldo, 36, has caused an upset.