*with Simão Duarte
Do this Wednesday one year since Cristiano Ronaldo’s presentationwith pomp and circumstance, in Mrsool Park, in Riyadh, as the new number 7 of Al Nassr. Some of the most unexpected transfers in world football.
Following the interview with Piers Morgan, which worsened the disputes between CR7 and Manchester United, the Portuguese star ended his connection with Red Devils and then ended up heading to Al Nassr. A strong signal from the Saudi market, which opened its purse strings and began to attract some of the sport’s biggest stars.
In Portugal and Arabia, thousands of people watched Ronaldo take to the field. Cristiano arrived in Arabia “very proud of having made this decision. In Europe, my work is done. I won everything, played for the most important clubs and now it’s a new challenge in Asia. Al Nassr gave me this opportunity to develop football, women’s football, young people and for me it is a challenge, but I feel very happy and proud.”
Since then, several renowned players have joined the League: Sadio Mané, Benzema, Kanté, Fabinho, Mahrez, among many others. Several Portuguese also joined, including Otávio and Luís Castro, who went to Al Nassr, without forgetting Rúben Neves, Jorge Jesus and Jota.
The Saudi League has since grown exponentially in all aspects. It is, at this stage, considered by many to be the largest market outside Europe.
In addition to his influence off the field, on the field, Ronaldo’s numbers speak for themselves: since his arrival, in 50 games, he has scored 44 goals and provided 13 assists. Cristiano is living a dream season, as this season he reached 200 caps for the National Team and was the player with the most goals scored in the 2023 calendar year: 54!
In terms of trophies, note the conquest of the Union of Arab Football Associations Cup, although the task is not easy in the current Saudi championship, with a very powerful Al Hilal.
Numbers, regardless of the context, only within the reach of the best for someone aged 38. The decision, unquestionably, gave new life to CR7 and new eyes focused on the Middle East. What to expect from next year of this adventure?
2024-01-03 20:15:00
#year #arrival #king #changed #CR7 #Saudi #Arabia #zerozero.pt
