Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has openly addressed the difficulties he encountered while adapting to the scorching heat and altered training schedules in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo, following his fallout with Manchester United and a public criticism of the club and manager Erik Ten Hag, secured a move to the Saudi Pro League during the previous winter transfer window. He joined Al Nassr, departing Europe in pursuit of a new challenge.
Although Ronaldo's first season at Al Nassr did not yield any trophies, he showcased his brilliance on several occasions with exceptional performances on the field. During an interview with LiveScore, Ronaldo highlighted the significant disparity he observed in Saudi Arabia, particularly the weather. However, he mentioned that he has now acclimated to the heat and adjusted to training later in the day when temperatures are cooler. Ronaldo expressed his gratitude towards the incredible reception he received from the fans, acknowledging their warm welcome and their continued support throughout his remarkable journey.
Having experienced three different leagues in Europe and emerged as a title winner in each, Ronaldo stated his pride in this accomplishment. He recognized the uniqueness of each league and country, emphasizing the value of his diverse experiences. Moreover, Ronaldo expressed his delight in witnessing the growing global interest in the Saudi Pro League, asserting his belief that the league will continue to develop and attract more European players in the future.
Following Ronaldo's high-profile move, other Saudi teams have also set their sights on acquiring star players from Europe. Karim Benzema recently joined Al Ittihad, while there are expectations that Chelsea's N'Golo Kanté will also make a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo in Al Nassr home jersey. Source: Getty
Cristiano Ronaldo at an Al Nassr match. Source: Getty