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Al Nassr star Jaloliddin Masharipov has explained how the squad reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo being named captain straight from the off.
Ronaldo has awarded the captaincy on a permanent basis upon his lucrative £175 million-a-year move to Saudi Arabia and has worn the armband in each of his three appearances for Al Nassr.
Defender Abdullah Madu lost the privilege of being skipper in a controversial move. But according to Masharipov, there was no issue from the group as they felt Ronaldo, who has captained the Portugal national team for a number of years, was more than suitable for the role.
"It'd be a little strange if the rest of the players are captaining Ronaldo," the Uzbekistan midfielder told Sports.ru, as per Daily Express.
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"We expected it. Our former captain willingly handed over the armband [to Cristiano Ronaldo] without any problems. I think this is the best solution. It cannot be otherwise."
Ronaldo was offered luxury accomodation in the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh, with his family, friends and security occupying a total of 17 rooms and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner staying in the two-floor Kingdom Suite.
Masharipov refuted claims that the Portuguese superstar is getting special treatment and that other players were offered the same level of hospitality.
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The 29-year-old had to vacate his No.7 shirt for Ronaldo and instead wear the No.77 going forward but Masharipov has clarified his position and how he was happy to pass the jersey.
"When [Cristiano] Ronaldo arrived, many people spread rumours about my departure from the team, all kinds of false news came out," the 29-year-old explained.
"Before Cristiano’s arrival, many people asked me, ‘Will you give him the No. 7?’ How can you not give it?! He is Cristiano Ronaldo!” Such players should always be respected! After giving my number, many people assumed that I would leave the team. I gave my number without any problem. There was no talk of leaving. Both the club and the coach wanted to see me in the team.
"I have a contract with the team. I only changed my number because Ronaldo came. This guy is one of the two best players in the world. There’s no need to talk much.”
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Ronaldo got off the mark for his new club on Friday, scoring a last minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Al Fateh.
Ronaldo and Al Nassr return to action on Thursday against Al Wehda.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr
Josh Lawless