Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@Kashifkhan_CR7_
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia
A frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo stormed off the pitch after Al Nassr slipped up in the Saudi Pro League title race.
The 38-year-old forward, who scored eight goals in four games for Rudi Garcia's side in February, was looking to add to his impressive tally in their crunch clash against Al-Ittihad on Thursday night.
So far, Ronaldo has suffered just one defeat in an Al Nassr jersey – a 3-1 loss to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup.
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And on Thursday night, the former Manchester United man fell to another defeat against their title rivals at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah.
Ronaldo, who received a hostile welcome from Al-Ittihad fans as he led his team out, failed to convert in what was a tough test for the experience forward.
And after the full-time whistle, he made his feelings known by kicking a number of water bottles on the touchline before storming down the tunnel.
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Footage soon emerged on social media, with fans picking up on his furious reaction after Al Nassr spurned the chance to go five points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Here is some footage from the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Thursday night.
Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, leapfrogged their title rivals into first place thanks to a goal from Brazilian forward Romarinho.
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Ronaldo has taken the captaincy at his new club, and Al Nassr man Jaloliddin Masharipov recently explained how the squad reacted to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner being named captain straight from the off.
"It'd be a little strange if the rest of the players are captaining Ronaldo," the Uzbekistan midfielder told Sports.ru.
"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."
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Masharipov also refuted claims that Portugal's all-time top scorer is getting special treatment and that other players were offered the same level of hospitality.
"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.”