Cristiano Ronaldo was made captain upon signing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov has shed light on the mood around the club after it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo would be taking the armband.
The Saudi outfit immediately stripped previous skipper Abdullah Madu of the armband to make their new superstar acquisition their new leader after pulling off the major coup in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo was made captain upon arrival at Al-Nassr (Image: GETTY)
Yet there was no frustration within the Al-Nassr dressing room as they respected that Ronaldo was now the best player to lead the group on the basis of his experience and his winning mentality.
Masharipov said on the cut-throat decision: “It’d be a little strange if the rest of the players are captaining Ronaldo. 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.”
Last month, Ronaldo also captained an All-Star XI against Paris Saint-Germain made up of players from both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal respectively.
Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted the standards at Al-Nassr (Image: Getty)
Abdullah Madu was the captain of Al-Nassr before Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival (Image: Getty)
From that moment onwards it was pretty clear that he was to be instilled as captain of his new club, who have pulled out all the stops to bring him to the Middle East.
It’s not been the best of starts in Saudi Arabia for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, however.
Although his debut resulted in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ettifaq FC, it’s been downhill from there for Ronaldo and Co.
Firstly, they were beaten 3-1 in the Saudi Super Cup by Nuno Espirito Santo’s Al-Ittihad before being held in the league to Al-Fateh.
Ronaldo netted his first competitive goal in the clash from the penalty spot but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for Rudi Garcia’s side.
Al-Nassr are currently top of the Saudi Pro League but they are now level on points with Al-Shabab, who are hot on their tail.
Ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo plays alongside Ronaldo and the Brazilian claims opposition teams are now trying harder to stop Al-Nassr – which is why their form has been inconsistent.
“Certainly, the presence of Cristiano makes it difficult for us as all teams seek to participate against him in the best possible way,” Gustavo told RT Arabic. “He gives motivation to everyone.”
Gustavo also talked up the impact Ronaldo has made on the dressing room, stating his team-mates are now improving because of the high standards he has helped implement.
“His presence with Al-Nassr gives a great advantage to the group because we learn from him every day, given the great capabilities he possesses, both technically and physically,” the Brazilian added.
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United in November via the mutual termination of his contract, turned 38 on February 5 as he seeks to write more history in the final chapter of his illustrious career.
He is already showing signs of forming an exciting partnership in attack for Al-Nassr with Anderson Talisca, who scored and was also sent-off in the 2-2 draw with Al-Fateh.
Fans have figured out what’s on the back of Cristiano Ronaldo’s phone
Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner has offered fans an insight into the footballer’s softer side after sharing an intimate snap of the two on her official Instagram account.
Georgina Rodriguez, who has been in a public relationship with the football star since 2017, shared a picture of the pair out enjoying the Saudi Arabian weather accompanied by the caption:
“Happy days to the love of my life. In love with you and what we are together. x6 Blessings.”
Featured Image Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo
As reported by the Sun, Eagled-eyed fans were quick to alert one another to the design printed onto the phone case of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, which can be seen on the table in front of the duo.
Whilst many may have expected the 38-year-old to opt for a design that celebrated his incredible footballing career, the Portuguese star has instead selected a heartwarming family photo that showcases his love for those closest to him.
It has since been discovered that the photo looks to be a reprint of a photo taken of Cristiano and his family on Georgina’s 28th birthday, one which Ronaldo’s partner shared on her Instagram back in January, 2022.
The photo, which can be seen below, shows Cristiano, Georgina and their four children celebrating Georgina’s birthday in Dubai, with a picturesque backdrop of the Middle Eastern skyline behind them.
Ronaldo and his family moved to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner put pen to paper on a lucrative deal with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr.
The switch came after Ronaldo saw his Manchester United contract terminated by mutual consent, just a week after an interview aired in which Ronaldo sat down with Piers Morgan and heavily criticised the club.
Ronaldo has made three competitive appearances for the Saudi-Pro League leaders since joining the club, and netted his first official goal as he dispatched a stoppage time penalty to secure a 2-2 draw away at Al Fateh.
Source: express.co.uk; sportbible.com
