Cristiano Ronaldo showed he is still in top form and is unfazed by criticism after producing an exquisite finish during an Al Nassr training session.
Ronaldo flew to Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh with his family and arrived on Monday evening ahead of completing his medical with Al Nassr.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner held his first Al Nassr press conference on Tuesday before receiving a spine-tingling reception at his official unveiling at Mrsool Park.
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Ronaldo, whose deal runs until 2025, linked up with his new club teammates and took part in a training session at Al Nassr’s 25,000-capacity stadium.
Footage from the shooting drill, which can be viewed above in the video player, showed Ronaldo alongside former Benfica player Talisca during the training session.
Talisca’s first-time strike from a cross was blazed over the crossbar, but Ronaldo was much more clinical with his finishing.
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Ronaldo received a short pass inside the box before turning and unleashing a wicked strike using his ‘weak’ left foot.
The 37-year-old Portuguese forward hasn’t played a competitive football match since Portugal crashed out of the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.
Ronaldo was spotted training at former club Real Madrid’s training complex back in December in a bid to keep fit ahead of signing for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
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The Manchester United and Madrid legend will be hopeful of making his Al Nassr debut on Thursday when his side take on Al Ta’ee at Mrsool Park.
Speaking at his Al Nassr press conference, Ronaldo said: “This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal.
“I know the league is very competitive, I saw many games. I hope to play after [Wednesday] if the coach thinks there’s a chance. I’m ready to keep playing football.”
Al Nassr manager Rudi Garcia hailed the arrival of Ronaldo and insisted that he wants the Portugal captain to be “happy” during his spell in Saudi Arabia.
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“In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there’s nothing I can teach him,” he said.
“My goal, my objective for Cristiano is to make him happy. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr.”
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr, Football
Adnan Riaz