Many had thought that Cristiano Ronaldo has hampered his own legacy by moving out of Europe to join Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr in big-money move. However, the 37-year-old showed it against PSG in the friendly that he has not lost his killer touch despite bidding Europe adieu. A combined XI from Al Nassr and Al-Hilal took on the Parisian club in a glittery friendly in Riyadh, where Cristiano Ronaldo was reunited with his all-tine rival Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo made his debut in Saudi after completing his stunning move to Al Nassr last month, as he bagged a brace in his side’s valiant 4-5 defeat against PSG. While Messi bagged another win over his rival, it was the former Real Madrid star who rather took home the man of the match despite his All-Star XI facing a defeat. Ronaldo played 62 minutes before being subbed-off, as Arsenal legend Thierry Henry explained why the forward is still among the greats.
Henry picks one trait of Cristiano Ronaldo which testifies his GOAT status
Cristiano Ronaldo left Europe with a bad taste as he got sacked by Manchester United following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The Portuguese forward called out the Red Devils for their stagnant progress post the Sir Alex Ferguson era and also for allegedly “betraying” him. He also slammed club manager Erik ten Hag for “disrespecting” him, and the interview hence ended Ronaldo’s stint at United.
Al Nassr then quickly moved in for the legendary striker, and signed him on 2.5 year contract last month, making him the highest paid footballer as well as an athlete ever. Ronaldo is slated to pocket a whopping salary of €200m-per-year, thus ending his 2.5 year stay at the club with €500m in his bank account. While he got trolled as well as called out for falling prey to the lure of money, Henry picked on one trait of Ronaldo to explain his greatness which is still there. Speaking on an Arabic broadcast, Henry said:
Henry was talking about Ronaldo’s 62nd minute substitution, where the Portugal and All-Star XI captain appeared disappointed on coming-off. Ronaldo had already scored a brace on the night, thanks to his former Real Madrid teammates Keylor Navas and Sergio Ramos. He bagged his first goal through a well-taken penalty after Navas took him out in the box, and second after Ramos failed to clear the forward’s towering header which came-off the cross bar and put into the back of the net by him.
Ronaldo could have easily netted a treble as many chances for his side went begging after his substitution. While they eventually lost by a narrow margin, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner did find solace in collecting the man of the match award. He will now shift his focus towards getting down to serious business. gearing up for his much awaited Al Nassr debut which could come on Sunday against Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.