Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to find the net in any of his two competitive appearances for new club Al-Nassr and the club’s plans for him appear to have changed
Al-Nassr boss Rudi Garcia has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not end his football career at the club and he will return to European football.
Ronaldo is yet to score for Al-Nassr in a competitive match since signing ( Image: Noor Abdelfatah/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Things have not gone entirely to plan for the Portuguese superstar after completing a stunning move to the Saudi Arabian club earlier this month. Garcia’s league leaders were dumped out of the Saudi Super Cup by close rivals Al-Ittihad on Thursday, with captain Ronaldo blanking once again following his goalless debut appearance last Sunday.
Garcia did not shy away from criticising his new talisman for missing a glorious chance during the game. “One of the things that changed the course of the match was Cristiano’s missed opportunity in the first half,” the boss assessed after the game.
The boss did not hold back in what he felt was wrong with the Portuguese superstar’s integration into his team. Garcia was critical of his teammates for passing to him too frequently while also claiming that Ronaldo’s positioning was too similar to that of teammate Anderson Talisca.
Ronaldo’s decision to move to the Saudi Arabian club came after no European club was prepared to offer him a contract last summer. The player’s wage demands coupled with his diminishing returns on the pitch and advancing years ensured that his options were limited.
During his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan that ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent in November, Ronaldo confidently agreed that his decision to reject a move to the Middle East showed how keen he was to still compete at the top level in Europe.
“If it was just about money, you’d be in Saudi Arabia earning this king’s ransom, but that’s not what motivates you,” Morgan preened at Ronaldo, before adding: “You want to keep at the top.” Ronaldo, in nodding acknowledgement, responded: “Exactly.”
Ronaldo said upon his move to the Middle East that his career in European club football is ‘over’ and declared: “I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football. I feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia.”
Al-Nassr boss Garcia has now said: “He is one of the best players in the world. He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe.” This contradicts reports, including from ESPN, from earlier this month that claimed Ronaldo’s plan was to retire at the club – as suggested by the player himself.
Ronaldo has been criticised in some quarters for choosing to end his career in Saudi Arabia. Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher compared him negatively with Messi, following the Argentine’s World Cup win.
“In some ways, it’s a sad end for him, Carragher told Sky Sports. “Two of the greatest players in Messi and Ronaldo – Ronaldo has finished his career during an interview with Piers Morgan and Messi has won the World Cup. It’s not the best way to go out.”
Cristiano Ronaldo comments prove he’s now changed his mind after Al-Nassr confirm U-turn
Cristiano Ronaldo recently made the move to Al-Nassr having left Manchester United as he claimed his career in Europe was over – but his manager has poured water on that idea
Cristiano Ronaldo will not finish his career at Al-Nassr according to his manager – despite the player declaring his time in Europe was “over”.
The forward made the move to the Middle East recently, penning a deal that will make him the highest-paid footballer on the planet. His spell with Manchester United came to a sudden end and Ronaldo was left looking for a new employer – but there was a lack of offers from clubs in Europe.
Ronaldo had previously underlined his desire to remain playing in the Champions League – something he reiterated in his explosive interview with Piers Morgan – but then signed with the Saudi Arabian outfit as he embarked on new challenges. Rudi Garcia is now managing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner but believes he will in fact head back to Europe.
Garcia said recently: “He is one of the best players in the world. He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe.” Ronaldo is now 37 and firmly into the twilight years of his career, which would have to be a factor before any club opted to sign him.
The Portugal star holds several individual records in the Champions League and has won the competition on five occasions – one more than rival Lionel Messi. Despite his desire to retain those records, Ronaldo did claim during his unveiling that his time in Europe had come to an end.
He said: “I’m a unique player. It’s good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here. I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country.
Cristiano Ronaldo declared his career in Europe had finished ( Image: Al Nassr Football Club/AFP via G)
“In Europe, my work is done. I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal. Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to have not only football but (to be) part of this amazing country. And for me, it was a challenge.”
Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Sporting Lisbon were among those linked with a move for Ronaldo, who made it known in the summer he wanted to leave before he was used sporadically by Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. His antics in Manchester did cop criticism – not least his decision to leave early during a win over Tottenham.
Spanish publication El Mundo recently claimed that Ronaldo told his agent, Jorge Mendes, that he wanted to join either Chelsea or Bayern, but no agreement could be struck with either club despite meetings with Blues chief Todd Boehly.
Source: mirror.co.uk
