Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League
Josh Lawless
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo has been criticised for 'refusing a shirt swap' by an opponent who claimed he "yelled at his teammates".
On Monday, Jean-David Beauguel scored the winner for Al Wehda against Ronaldo's Al Nassr to send them through to the King Cup of Champions final.
Just two months prior to the defeat, where Al Wehda finished with ten men after Abdullah Al-Hafith was sent Ronaldo bagged four goals against them.
But this time the five-time Ballon d'Or winner cut a frustrated figure and was seen berating his own coaches at half-time.
With Ronaldo looking completely out of sorts himself, he was not in a good mood after the game when match-winner Beauguel told him of his fandom and asked for his shirt.
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The Frenchman, who was "surprised" by Ronaldo's demeanor and behaviour towards his teammates, says even the 38-year-old's handshake was a cold one.
“I was a little disappointed," Beauguel told L'Equipe, via The Mirror.
"At the end of the game, I told him that I was a big fan and asked for his jersey. He shook my hand without really looking at me, with a very contemptuous air.
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"I still remember the videos I watched of him when he was in college. I understand that he was disappointed after the loss, that he is a great competitor, but his attitude surprised me. Even on the pitch, he was upset, he yelled at his teammates."
Still, despite the negative experience meeting the Portugal superstar, Beauguel believes Ronaldo's presence in Saudi Arabia will bode well for the future of football in the Middle Eastern country.
"Beyond the economic aspect, which is sure to be positive, I think his arrival is great for Saudi football.
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"The Saudis are football fans. And his arrival may push players of his calibre want to play here. This will allow the development of football here, academies and training centres."
According to a report from the Saudi Gazette, Al-Nassr club president Musalli Al-Muammar has submitted his resignation letter after the latest loss.
Ronaldo could be heading for back-to-back trophyless seasons, with Al Nassr six points behind league leaders Al Ittihad.